For most homeowners, keeping up with basic home maintenance tasks is a given. They change the filter in their HVAC system, fix leaks in faucets, and can even call for help when an electrical problem occurs. However, other home components are hidden behind walls and in the ceiling, which means they may not get the attention or maintenance required.
One of these components is your home’s insulation. What some people do not realize is that not all insulation is designed to last forever. Issues can occur, wear and tear can happen, and when insulation fails, it leaves a homeowner with expensive heating and cooling bills and an uncomfortable home.
Don’t worry. While it may be impossible to get in the walls for a visual inspection of your insulation, you can look for the most commons signs there is a problem. Keep reading to learn what these signs are.
The Appearance of Indoor Drafts
In some situations, particularly with attic insulation, drafts may occur if the insulation is old or no longer working properly. If there is not enough of a blockage between your indoor air and the outdoor air, then cold drafts may begin to get inside. If you notice these drafts, even after you have closed the windows and doors, it is a good idea to check the attic or crawl space insulation. If you cannot do this yourself, call the professionals for an inspection.
Changing Indoor Temperatures
Have you noticed that your indoor temperatures are all over the place? If so, it is a clear sign that the insulation needs to be replaced. Sometimes, this issue occurs because the insulation shifts in the attic and lets heated or cooled air gets into the home, which essentially sabotages the HVAC system’s efforts to regulate the temperature inside and keep things consistent. Resetting the insulation and sometimes adding more can often fix this issue. However, that is not always possible. If this does not provide the desired results, then all the insulation should be replaced.
Wet Insulation
Is your insulation damp, moist, or saturated? If so, there is no way to salvage it. At this point, replacing the insulation is the only option you have. There are a few reasons the insulation in your home may get wet. It could be because there are no vapor barriers, a flood in the basement, a leaky roof, or even blocked vents.
Along with needing to have the insulation replaced, it can also begin to grow mold. This will create a potentially toxic environment for those in the home. Even worse, this moisture results in the insulation being completely ineffective.
Investing in New Insulation Is a Smart Move
Investing in new insulation is a great way to restore the comfort of your home. It can also help to keep your energy costs low, which are all benefits that most homeowners not only work toward but appreciate. Keep the signs of a problem with your insulation in mind, so you know when it is time to act.