Is it real, or just your imagination? If your home seems to feel unusually cold in the winter or hot in the summer, you may begin to wonder if your house insulation is doing its job effectively. Insulation can last anywhere from 20 to 80 years or longer, depending on the type of insulation. Fiberglass insulation needs to be inspected every 7 to 10 years, while blown-in cellulose should be evaluated more often for settling or shifting. Spray foam is much less likely to need replacing. Most newer homes will be up to specifications, but if you own an older home, you may need to add more insulation or have it replaced, simply because the quality of insulation has so greatly improved since the 1970s. One of the easiest ways to tell if your house has the proper insulation is to have an experienced insulation expert come to your home for an inspection. Many insulation installers will offer a free in-home inspection using specialized inspection equipment. Before you call in the experts, there are a few typical signs that you may want to investigate.
- Your Energy Bill Has Increased Recently. If you have access to your energy bills from the last few seasons, you can easily compare your energy consumption over time. Many energy providers also offer a dashboard so you can compare to similar homes in your area.
- Some Rooms Feel Colder or Hotter Than Others. Hot and cold air can escape almost anywhere that doesn’t have insulation to prevent it. Often times, these rooms are above the garage or below the attic. Windows are also a source of 25 percent of a home’s heat loss.
- Your Roof or Foundation Has Leaks. Once you have determined that your home has leaks, it is very important to have repairs done as soon as possible. Moisture will most likely have created the conditions for mold to grow and can create indoor air quality hazards, so replacement of the wet insulation becomes necessary. Leaks in the roof or foundation can also cause insulation to gradually degrade over time as the water breaks down the material.
- Issues With Heating or Cooling. If your heating or air conditioning unit runs almost continually to keep your house at a comfortable temperature, your house insulation may need to be replaced.
At Cape Fear Foam LLC, we have the expertise and experience to take care of your insulation needs. We are a family-owned business and have been providing quality house insulation solutions for over 14 years. Give us a call today!