In many cases, it’s easy to tell when a home upgrade is in order. If your 20-year-old furnace breaks down, for example, you know it’s time to schedule furnace replacement. If your roof is 25 years old and losing shingle after shingle, you’re probably due for a new roof. But how do you know if it’s time to upgrade the insulation in your home?
You can’t exactly look inside your walls, and it’s not always easy to climb up into the attic, either. However, it can be easy to find out if it’s time to call an insulation installer— if you know what to look for.
Signs That It’s Time for an Insulation Upgrade
Under-insulation in key areas like the attic, walls, floors, and crawl space can result in a number of indoor comfort and efficiency issues. Do any of these “symptoms” sound familiar?
- Inconsistent indoor temperatures
- Hard-to-condition rooms
- Indoor drafts
- Cold floors during the winter
- Constantly running heat and AC
- High heating and cooling costs
If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues inside your home, there’s a good chance your outdated or deteriorated insulation is to blame. In fact, according to one Boston University study, about 90% of American homes lack proper insulation. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to seek a professional in insulation solutions.
“As Above, So Below”: Check the Crawl Space, Too!
The area below your ground floor can also be prone to underinsulation, and the problems associated with it. As heat and air escape out the top of a home, cold air and contaminants are pulled in through the bottom of the home in a phenomenon known by building scientists as “stack effect.” Crawl space encapsulation prevents moisture and unwanted temperatures from seeping into your living space through the bottom
Assess Your Insulation Needs with an Energy Audit
When you trust an insulation specialist like The Fifth Fuel to help assess your home’s insulation, they’ll usually start by conducting an energy audit. An energy audit is an in-depth assessment of your home’s energy efficiency, with the goal of uncovering inefficiencies like air leaks and insulation gaps in areas like the attic and crawl space.
Your energy assessment will include blower door testing to measure overall air leakage, as well as thermal imaging to pinpoint where air leaks and insulation gaps are. Once complete, you’ll have a firm grasp on which areas of your home need air sealing and new insulation.
Benefit from New Insulation in VA, DC, and MD with The Fifth Fuel
With The Fifth Fuel, upgrading your home’s insulation is simple. Whether the insulation in your attic has visibly settled, your crawlspace insulation has become damaged by water or pests, or you simply need additional insulation in your exterior walls, we can handle the reinsulation process from start to finish — including insulation removal as needed. Unlike other insulation companies that serve Northern Virginia, DC, and Metro Maryland, our company is made up of building science experts who understand precisely how to help homeowners maximize their energy dollars and comfort.
With your newly insulated home, you can finally enjoy consistent indoor temperatures, reduce your reliance on your heating and air conditioning systems, and keep your energy bills down from month to month!
Find out if it’s time to install more insulation in your home. Call 703-870-3648 or contact us to schedule an energy audit!
