According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), 90% of America’s homes are under-insulated. Lack of insulation can lead to drafts, higher energy bills, and future home repairs that can be pricey to fix. A lot of homes within the United States were built to just barely meet the insulation standards according to building codes.
Because of this, you may want to add more insulation to your attic and walls. According to Airco Services, your home loses 25% of heating and cooling through attics and 35% of heating and cooling through walls. According to the U.S. Division of Energy, 43% of a homeowner’s monthly utility bills are spent on heating and cooling. It is essential to make sure your home is being heated and cooled efficiently through proper insulation to not only reduce costs but improve your quality of life.
Learn more about these 8 signs that your home could use more insulation:
1. Temperatures seem to fluctuate in your home
If your home is properly insulated then you will notice even temperatures across all of your rooms. If you walk into a room and notice it is considerably colder or warmer than others then this is a sign that your home could be under-insulated.
2. Unusually higher energy bills
Fluctuations in utility bills are normal during changes in the seasons. However, if you notice drastic increases in your electrical bills, you may need to upgrade your home insulation to prevent air from slipping out of your home.
3. The floors and walls are cold
If your home is adequately insulated it will have insulation on the inside of the walls and floors so that they feel warm and dry all the time. If you notice that these areas of your home are colder than normal you may need more insulation in those areas.
4. Cold drafts
Drafts are important to be aware of, especially during the winter. Usually, a cold draft will be noticed near window ledges and doors. You will want to make sure you have proper insulation around those areas and that they are sealed tight when closed.
5. Rodents and insects are inside your home
Rodents and insects can enter your home through small cracks in doors, windows, and walls. With proper insulation, you can prevent pesky invaders from entering your home.
6. Water is leaking through your attic
If your home is insufficiently insulated or has outdated insulation, then water can leak into your home. Water damage can quickly result in a mold problem that will not only be a costly repair but also be hazardous to the health of those living in the home.
7. Winter roof ice dams
When heat is escaping from your home, it comes in contact with snow and melts it. The melted snow then forms a stream that freezes once it hits cooler air. Ice dams can result in major damage to your roof as well as lead to safety problems.
8. Frozen pipes
If your pipes seem to always be freezing during the colder months, it could be the result of cold air circulating into your home because it is inadequately insulated.
All of the signs are things that should not be ignored. Keep your home comfortable and less costly by resolving these issues today.