Important reasons why Seattle residents should replace their old attic insulation
In order for a house to be efficiently heated during the winter and cooled during the summer, it needs to be properly insulated. While insulation in newer built houses is typically high quality, it can be a real issue in older homes. If old, worn-out insulation is disregarded or isn’t properly replaced, it could lead to a significant rise in energy bills. Faulty attic insulation can also lead to a colder house during the winter months or a sauna in the summertime.
The following are 5 signs that could mean your home has degraded insulation.
An Increase in Your Energy Bill
A Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system normally accounts for the lion’s share of the energy consumed in your home. A substantial spike in energy consumption typically points towards a system that is working overtime in order to maintain a constant temperature in the house. Having your insulation replaced will significantly help regulate the temperature, and keep your energy bills down.
Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures
Insufficient insulation can result in indoor temperatures constantly fluctuating. You may notice that some rooms in your home feel too hot or too cold in comparison with others. This is usually a good indication of poor insulation.
Signs of Age
In older homes, the best way to assess the quality of insulation is to feel the attic insulation while wearing a glove. If any of the insulation has crumbled or has a hardened texture, then it’s past its prime and probably a good time to have it replaced.
Existence of Pests
Pests love to live and nest in insulation, especially in the attic or basement of your home. If you find signs, such as mouse droppings, you may have an infestation in your home and will need to have your insulation checked. If you do have an infestation of pests, once they have been removed, you will more than likely need to have your insulation replaced.
Water Damage
Seattle and the surrounding areas are famous for long, rainy months and during the wet season, water can find its way through the walls or roof and into the insulation. If water has leaked into places where you have insulation, mold will appear and begin to spread. In this case, the leak will need to be repaired and the area cleaned of mold and dried out. Once this has been completed, you will definitely want to replace your insulation and continue to check and make sure there is no more water or moisture leaking into the area.
Homeowners that own older houses need to periodically have their basement and attic insulation checked and replaced before the coming summer and winter months. While some can accomplish this as a Do It Yourself project, insulation installation is a big job, especially if you don’t know what you are doing. Hiring an HVAC professional may be a better bet to ensure that your insulation is correctly installed and your HVAC system is running efficiently.
By taking care of and properly maintaining your home’s insulation and HVAC unit, you’ll have an efficient heating and cooling system that will provide for your family’s comfort for many years to come.
Have questions about the insulation in your home and its effect on your heating and cooling consumption? Contact MM Comfort throughout the Seattle area to help with your Heating and Cooling needs.
MM Comfort experts can help you with repairs and servicing of your current HVAC system or help you choose the best heating and cooling options for your home, no matter how big or small it may be. Call us at 425.533.9058, or use our online contact form to arrange for a free heating and cooling consultation.
