A comfortable, energy-efficient home is a dream for many homeowners. Unfortunately, insulation-related issues can create frustrating and confusing situations. Recognizing when to consult an insulation expert is essential, and we have a few clues that you can look out for.
1. You Have Drafty Rooms
Drafty rooms can send shivers down your spine and create an uncomfortable house. These temperature inconsistencies often come from inadequate insulation, resulting in air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings. If it happens to you, your heating and cooling systems work overtime, meaning you pay more for energy costs to soar and leaving you feeling both physically and financially uncomfortable.
Addressing a drafty home requires a thorough investigation of your home’s insulation and air sealing. In some cases, small gaps around windows and doors can be sealed using weatherstripping or caulk, providing a simple yet effective solution. However, it’s essential to examine the bigger picture, as drafts can also stem from larger insulation issues, such as insufficient or deteriorated insulation in your home’s walls, floors, or attic.
2. You Pay High Energy Bills
Exorbitant energy bills can hit you where it hurts: your wallet. The underlying cause? Often, high energy bills are a sign of poor insulation or air sealing. Your heating and cooling systems work harder than necessary to overcome the deficiencies.
With a concern as general as a high energy bill, it’s crucial to have an expert delve into your home’s insulation and air sealing situation. They may find, for example, that insufficient attic insulation is causing significant heat loss during the winter. Think of how a layer of mulch protects a garden. It slows conductive heat flow from the air to the ground below, retaining heat needed by plants. Your insulation should save you money by doing the same in your home, reducing conductive heat flow that is costing you money.
A comprehensive energy audit can help identify problem areas and reveal the most effective solutions for improving energy efficiency. Measures to rack up energy savings may include adding insulation to walls, floors, and attics; sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork; and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or heating and cooling systems.
3. You Have Cold Walls and Floors
Cold walls and floors can be a startling and unpleasant sensation, often leaving homeowners puzzled.
To tackle cold walls and floors, it’s essential to first pinpoint the areas where insulation is lacking or has been compromised. Various factors can contribute to these chilly conditions, such as thin insulation materials, gaps in insulation coverage, or even compressed or damaged insulation caused by moisture or pests. The key is to identify the root cause so the symptoms can be cured for good.
4. You Feel Uneven Heating and Cooling
A rollercoaster of temperatures in your home can leave you shivering in one room and sweating in another. Uneven heating and cooling often signal underlying insulation problems. A professional assessment can get to the bottom of your home’s temperature fluctuations and provide effective solutions, leading to a harmonious, well-balanced living environment.
The causes behind uneven heating and cooling can range from insufficient insulation in specific areas to drafts created by improperly sealed windows and doors. This temperature tug-of-war may even result from an aging or malfunctioning HVAC system, struggling to distribute air evenly throughout your home. Pinpointing the source of these temperature inconsistencies can be a challenge, but it’s vital to uncover the truth in order to restore balance and comfort.
5. You Find Mold and Mildew
Discovering mold and mildew lurking in your home is a disconcerting and unwelcome surprise. These uninvited guests are not only unsightly but also pose health risks to your family. By eliminating moisture sources and reinforcing insulation, you can protect both your home and your loved ones’ well-being.
A crucial step in combating mold and mildew is understanding their origins. In many cases, dampness and high humidity levels can be caused by air leaks, insufficient insulation, or inadequate ventilation. For example, condensation on cold surfaces, such as windows or poorly insulated walls, can create a breeding ground for mold. Similarly, insufficient bathroom or kitchen ventilation can trap moisture, further encouraging mold and mildew growth.
6. You Battle the Thermostat Constantly
Do you find yourself engaged in a perpetual dance with your thermostat? Struggling to find the perfect settings may stem from poor insulation or air sealing. To get a comfortable balance that you don’t have to think about, consider an energy audit.
A variety of hidden factors like poor insulation, air leaks, or even an outdated HVAC system can contribute to temperature fluctuations and discomfort. Calling energy audit professionals is key. You can get a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy usage, insulation, and air sealing, which will lead a strategic plan to address the root causes of your temperature woes.
7. You Own an Old Home
Charm and character abound in older homes, but with age comes the potential for outdated or deteriorated insulation. A St. Louis expert like Foam Engineers will know all the ins and outs of local building trends throughout the decade and can pinpoint problems your old home likely has based on that knowledge.
As time marches on, insulation materials in older homes may degrade, settle, or simply become outdated. Advances in insulation technology over the years have resulted in more efficient materials, leaving homes with antiquated insulation solutions lagging. It’s a lot like how a fence company can install a better type of vinyl fence now than they could 20 years ago. You may experience drafts, temperature fluctuations, and higher energy bills simply because of the age of your insulation.
Call an Expert Today If You See These Signs
Recognizing these signs lets you take action to solve the problems for good. Foam Engineers, with 40 years of experience in the greater St. Louis area, offers free consultations and uses thermal imaging and manometers to diagnose insulation issues accurately. By addressing residential insulation problems, you can restore comfort, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs in your homes.
