Because home insulation is mostly hidden behind drywall or tucked away in hard-to-reach places such as the attic, many homeowners forget about it. However, insulation is important to the health and value of your home, so you should monitor its quality from time to time.
If you’re unsure whether your home insulation is still holding up or not, check for these top signs that it’s time for new home insulation.
You’re Constantly Running the AC
If your air conditioner is working overtime this time of year, it could be a sign that you need to add or replace your home insulation. A common myth about insulation is that it’s only useful in the cold months for preserving heat, but it can also do the opposite.
Insulation keeps excess warm air out of your home during the summer due to its heat-resistant properties. So, if you notice your air conditioning is running constantly without much affect, this could mean that you need to replace your home’s insulation.
You’re Paying Too Much for Energy Bills
When you’re constantly running your air conditioner or heater, it’s only natural that your energy bills will increase in turn. If you notice your energy bills start to increase to more than you usually pay, keep an eye on your future bills.
This could be a sign that your insulation is failing, causing you to rely on your HVAC unit more than usual. This puts additional strain on your AC unit, which could also result in extra costs in the form of repairs.
You Feel Drafts Indoors
If you feel drafts of warm air during the summer, look around to make sure you haven’t left any windows or doors open. If not, you could have felt a draft from an opening in your insulation. Gaps in insulation tend to form around your home’s siding, in the attic, and in other areas as your insulation ages.
You might notice a draft near the wall sockets along your walls. This is because any warm air that has made its way inside will travel to the gaps in your walls, like wall sockets and light switches.
If you notice any of these top signs it’s time for new home insulation, don’t delay in replacing your current insulation. The sooner you upgrade your home insulation, the sooner you’ll be able to save money on future bills and conserve your appliances. Talk to your local insulation contractor as soon as possible.