We can quickly tell when leaving the house if we do not have enough layers to keep us warm for cold weather. Insulation is as important for it wraps the house to help keep the extreme temperatures from causing our heating and air conditioning systems from working hard to keep the temperature within the home steady. Over time attic insulation loses its effectiveness, and is one of the most overlooked home maintenance issues. If you notice any of these four signs, it may be time to call an attic insulation contractor.
Room temperature difference between floors. If you have an upstairs, typically the bedrooms and the thermostat are there. Warm air rises and the thermostat will register a higher temperature than the downstairs making it seem chilly downstairs! Keeping a consistent, comfortable temperature is especially important for parents of babies and young children who can be sensitive to fluctuating climates.
Frost is not on your roof when it is on other’s. If you have heat escaping through the attic, it will melt the frost as compared to neighbors with good insulation. Check insulation.
Lots of unexplained coughing and sniffling. Older insulation that has been exposed to water can have growth of mold. Especially in the winter when the house is closed up, moldy insulation may cause allergy symptoms. A water leak on insulation will collapse the thickness of the blanket of insulation, significantly lowering its effectiveness and should be removed. Another reason that insulation would be removed is if an animal made a burrow and lived there.
Unusually high energy bills. Have you noticed that your electricity or gas bills are particularly high compared to previous year’s? Consider the possibility that inadequate, old or damaged insulation is to blame.
Though a visual inspection of insulation is generally safe, leave the attic insulation and ventilation assessment to a professional, as certain types of insulation (especially when moldy) can be dangerous to your health. Winter is a good time to use thermal imaging to see where heat may be escaping from your home. There should be at least 20 degrees difference between the inside air and outside for better measurement results. If you determine you need new insulation, you can recoop the cost from the savings on heating and air conditioning in about 2-7 years depending on the type of insulation chosen.
Stay cozy!
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
Home Improvements for a Better Life
SINCE 1979