Unless you have a brand new home, you’ve likely faced an array of issues as a homeowner – it comes with the territory. Sometimes you’ll have problems that are easy to spot and quick to fix. Other times, you may not even know you’re having an issue at all. This is common with insulation as there’s no visual sign that you have bad insulation (except mold growing on your walls). So, you must know what the less-obvious signs are of an insulation problem to save yourself money and discomfort in the long run!
How do you know if you need new insulation?
Because insulation is hidden within your walls, it might not be obvious that you need to invest in updates. Here are some signs and issues we commonly see when homeowners need insulation:
1. Your energy bill has increased
Insulation’s job is to keep cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping in the winter and vice versa in the summer. If you’re noticing an increase in your energy bill and/or your heating/cooling system kicking on a lot, then you’re probably facing an insulation issue.
If your insulation isn’t able to maintain the temperature within your home, then your systems will have to work harder to maintain the thermostat setting. This will then lead to an increase in how much you’re paying each month.
2. Walls, floors, ceilings, and rooms are cold
Taking the time to feel the floors, walls, and ceilings and noting the temperature in individual rooms can be a telltale sign that you need new insulation. Walls, floors, and ceilings should all be warm and dry, and rooms should be relatively the same temperature throughout.
If you notice that this isn’t the case, then you may be missing necessary insulation in these areas or the insulation you do have is no longer doing its job!
3. Frozen pipes and water damage
Frozen pipes and water damage are costly and unfortunate consequences of insufficient insulation. Attics that aren’t properly insulated often let in water when snow starts melting or you experience heavy rain.
Additionally, plumbing that hasn’t been properly insulated can freeze in the wintertime. When pipes are allowed to freeze, they leave behind cracks that eventually burst and have the capability of flooding your home.
4. Experiencing drafts
Many spots can let in drafts if they aren’t properly insulated. Drafty areas often include:
- Attics
- Crawlspaces
- Basements
- Windows
- Doors
- Plumbing
The more drafts that can sneak in, the more discomfort you’re going to feel inside your home and the higher your energy bills will be at the end of the month!
5. Pests and rodents
One unfortunate sign that your insulation isn’t doing its job is unwanted critters moving in. Insects and rodents will most often come in through holes and cracks that can be found anywhere throughout the home. If insects and animals can get in, then air can enter and escape there, too.
While you can just add more insulation to these areas, you may have to redo the insulation here altogether as pests may have ruined what you did have.
In conclusion
If you’re noticing any of these issues in your home, it’s time to get a professional out for an inspection. You may need to think about redoing the insulation throughout your home if there’s been significant deterioration or water damage. However, it’s likely that you just need to add insulation to your plumbing, attic, and crawlspaces!
To learn more about how Northstar Insulating can help you, you can visit our website or call us directly!
