Lack of proper insulation can lead to some serious issues in your home, but when you know how to tell if you need more insulation, you can fix the problems and keep them from escalating further.
For example, not having enough insulation in your home can lead to uncomfortable indoor temperatures, higher energy costs, and even structural damage. But you don’t have to let it get that bad before you do something about it.
Here’s how to tell if you need more insulation in your home:
5 Signs that You May Need More Insulation
If you notice these warning signs, you should get your insulation checked for damage or inefficiencies.
1. Indoor Drafts
If you’re noticing cold air drifting through your home even when all the windows and doors are closed, it may be a sign that there’s a problem with your insulation.
Drafts happen when warm air leaks out of your house, allowing cold air to be drawn in. This can be due to small gaps in the seals around doors and windows, or in any other part of the structure of your home.
Damaged or worn away attic and crawlspace insulation can be another place where the warm air is leaking out of your home, causing those indoor drafts.
2. Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures
If the temperature in your home is different between rooms or areas of your home, or if you notice the temperature fluctuating from warm one moment to cold the next, the insulation in your attic or crawlspace may have shifted or been unevenly worn away.
Either way, something likely has happened to your insulation, and you need to get it remedied.
3. High Energy Consumption
Higher energy bills — beyond rate increases — are a sure-fire sign that you need more insulation.
If it’s taking more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, you’re running your heating and AC units more than you would otherwise. And this will make them wear out faster, needing to be replaced sooner, than if you have proper insulation.
4. Recent Pest Infestation
Rodents, bats, and other insects can cause significant and serious damage to insulation. So, if you’ve had a recent pest infestation, you need to inspect your insulation to see if you need to replace it.
5. Condensation or Mold on Walls or Ceilings
If you’re seeing condensation or mold on your walls or ceilings, it may be due to wet insulation. Leaks in your roof, blocked vents, or lack of vapor barriers all can cause your insulation to be wet.
Moist, damp, or completely soaked insulation cannot be salvaged and must be replaced.
If You Need More Insulation, Don’t Delay in Getting It
Your insulation could be damaged or wearing away with age. It could have shifted so that you have uneven coverage. Whatever the reason, if you’re seeing signs that point to inefficient insulation, you should get it checked as soon as possible.
And if it needs to be replaced or added to, do so right away.
Proper insulation is the key to making your home as energy efficient — and comfortable — as possible. Plus, the longer you let the problem continue, the more severe the adverse conditions can become.
If you’re seeing any of these or other signs that make you question the efficiency of your insulation, we invite you to contact us for a free assessment and estimate.
Simply click here to request your free estimate or call (425) 259-0008 for more immediate assistance.
Have more questions regarding Pest Control? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page.