8 Signs Your Home Is Under-Insulated

Posted on: Dec 19, 2019

Your home may not have enough insulation. In fact, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), 90% of America’s homes are under-insulated. Consider a free insulation estimate because too little insulation can cause drafts and high energy bills and contribute to other potential problems that could require costly home repairs.

The main reason for under insulation is that many homes were built to add only enough insulation to meet building codes at that time, which may not be quite right for your home now.

And since the U.S. Division of Energy reports that 43% of a homeowner’s monthly utility bills is spent on heating and cooling, ensuring that your home is well insulated is the key to reducing costs and increasing comfort and quality of life.

Not sure if your home is sufficiently insulated? Here are eight signs that you should have your free insulation estimate soon.

1. Fluctuating temperatures within your home

An adequately insulated home should have even temperatures in all rooms. One room that is considerably colder than the others is a sign that your home could be under-insulated.

2. High energy bills

When you see incremental or drastic increases in your home energy expenses, you may require upgraded insulation to prevent warm or cool air from leaking out of your home and running up your bills.

3. Cold walls, floors, and ceilings

A properly insulated home should have inside walls and floors that feel warm and dry at all times. If your walls, floors, or ceilings in one or more of your rooms suddenly feels damp or cold, you may not have enough insulation to keep the warm air inside.

4. Chilly drafts

Drafts in the winter months in specific areas of your home are usually the result of cold air entering through window ledges and entryways. With added insulation, you can prevent crisp drafts and save money on your energy costs.

5. Mice and bugs

Mice and insects can enter your home through small cracks or through entryways and leaky windowsills, another sign that your insulation might need an upgrade.

6. Water leaks in the attic

Water can leak into your home if you have Insufficient insulation or insulation that shows signs of holes.  Water damage can quickly turn into a mold problem that can be hazardous to your health and very costly to repair.

7. Ice dams on the roof in winter

Ice dams are often the result of heat escaping from your home, melting the snow in contact with the roof that then forms into streams and freezes once it hits cooler air. Ice dams can cause severe damage to your roof and a considerable repair bill, and ice dams can become a safety hazard as well.

8. Frozen pipes

When your pipes freeze in the colder months, it could be due to cold air circulating in your home due to an insulation problem.

If you are currently experiencing any of these problems in your home, call an industry expert like Airco Service. They will give you a free insulation estimate that won’t break your budget and advise you on the best possible upgrades to your home insulation.