Is Your Home Properly Insulated?

Keeping your home as comfortable as possible year-round depends heavily on how well it is insulated and air sealed. Proper insulation keeps the heat outside in the stuffy summertime and keeps the heat inside during the bitter Wisconsin winter.  

As a homeowner you may want to know how to check if your home is properly insulated. In general, you can look out for a few things, such as particularly high energy bills and a particularly cold or warm house. However, a professional assessment is the best way to be sure that a home’s insulation is doing the job that needs to be done and keeping things comfortable and efficient all year long.

The Importance of Proper Home Insulation

Proper home insulation is important for several reasons, all of which contribute to creating a comfortable, energy efficient, and cost-effective living environment. Some of the key reasons that proper home insulation is important include:  

• Energy efficiency
• Cost savings 
• Comfort 
• Environmental impact 
• Moisture control 
• Increased property value 
• Noise reduction 

For homeowners, investing in proper home insulation can be a wise choice that not only improves quality of life, but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendlier lifestyle.

The Role of Insulation in Home Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Adequate insulation helps regulate the temperature inside a home. Insulation acts as a barrier, preventing the transfer of heat between the interior and exterior of the home, which means that in hot weather, the home stays cooler, and in cold weather, it stays warmer.  

Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s energy usage. Proper insulation can reduce heating and cooling energy usage by an estimated 15% as well as reduce a homeowner’s total energy bill by 11%.  

Insulation can also assist with reducing the noise, pollen, dust, and even insects that enter from outside. It lowers the risk of ice dams in snowy climates and helps homes achieve better humidity control in every location. Proper insulation reduces the demand on heating and cooling systems, leading to lower energy consumption and lower utility bills.

Identifying Insulation Needs in Your Home

Identifying insulation needs in your home involves assessing various factors to determine where improvements or additions may be necessary. One of the most common red flags for aging insulation is consistently high energy bills, which may indicate that the heating and cooling systems are working harder than necessary to achieve and maintain a desirable comfort level in your home. Homeowners may also want to consider the age of their homes. Older homes are more likely to have outdated or insufficient insulation.  

How to Check If Your Home Is Insulated Properly

A professional assessment is the best way to know whether a home is insulated properly. However, homeowners who have concerns can check a few key areas on their own before scheduling a professional assessment. The following are a few ways to look for potential insulation issues:  

• Inspect Walls, Floors, and Ceilings: Examine the insulation levels in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Look for gaps, signs of settling, and areas where insulation may be missing. 
• Look for Moisture Issues: Moisture problems, such as mold or mildew growth, may indicate insufficient insulation. Moisture can compromise the effectiveness of insulation and lead to other structural issues. 
• Check Doors and Windows: Inspect doors and windows for gaps or drafts. Weatherstripping and caulking around these openings can help prevent air leaks, improving energy efficiency. 
• Examine Attic Insulation: The attic is a critical area for insulation. Check the type and thickness of insulation in your attic and ensure that it covers the entire space and is in good condition. Inadequate attic insulation can lead to significant heat loss. 
• Evaluate Basement and Crawl Spaces: Inspect the insulation in the basement and crawl spaces. Proper insulation in these areas helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the house and prevents cold air from infiltrating. 

For homeowners with concerns about their insulation, consider hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit. Energy auditors use specialized tools to identify areas of energy loss in your home. They can assess insulation levels, identify air leaks, and provide recommendations for improvements. 

Common Signs of Inadequate Insulation

Homeowners who conduct their own visual assessments should be able to determine whether their home has inadequate insulation. Because attic insulation is a common culprit that can significantly impact a home’s comfort levels and create a risk of ice dams, it is particularly important to inspect this area. If a home’s attic insulation comes to the top of the joist, more insulation is likely necessary. If the insulation completely covers the joists, the attic’s insulation may be adequate. It is always best to work with a home performance contractor to determine the appropriate solution for a home. 

Recommended Insulation Levels for Optimal Efficiency 

The recommended home insulation levels for optimal efficiency vary depending on factors such as climate, the region where you live, and the specific areas of your home. Insulation levels are typically measured in terms of R-values, which represent the material’s thermal resistance. Higher R-values indicate better insulation performance.  

Insulation recommendations are based on a region’s climate zone, which is determined based on average temperatures and precipitation. Different areas of Wisconsin have different climate zones and therefore different insulation recommendations. The following are general recommendations for insulation levels in different areas of a home in climate zone 6, which includes Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. These recommendations are in line with the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): 

• Attic: R49 – R60 
• Walls: R13 – R21 
• Floors: R25 – R30 
• Basement: R11 – R21 

Professional Insulation Services and Their Advantages

Hiring professional insulation services offers several advantages, as experts in the field can ensure that insulation is installed correctly and meets the necessary standards. Professionals at a home insulation company have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess each home’s insulation needs, and they understand the local climate, building codes, and best practices for different types of insulation. 

Furthermore, correct installation is crucial for insulation effectiveness. Professionals know how to install insulation to maximize its performance, ensuring that there are no gaps, compression, or other issues that could compromise its efficiency, and they can provide tailored solutions based on a home’s unique characteristics.  

Local building codes often dictate insulation requirements. Professionals are familiar with these codes and can ensure that each insulation installation complies with the regulations in the local area. Many professional home insulation companies also offer warranties on their work, which can provide the homeowner with peace of mind. If any issues arise due to installation errors, they can be addressed without additional costs. 

Although it may be tempting to attempt insulation as a DIY project, hiring professionals is an investment in the long-term efficiency and comfort of a home. Professionals offer expertise, efficiency, and the assurance that the job is done right, helping homeowners achieve the maximum benefits of proper insulation. 

Why Choose Wisconsin Home Improvement Insulation Company?

Wisconsin Home Improvement has been helping homeowners in Wisconsin stay warm in the winter and cool in summer for more than 85 years. Our expertise and training give us the confidence to help you determine the best strategies for improving your home’s energy efficiency. With our experience in retrofitting homes, we can provide standard, transparent pricing and an understanding of the process from beginning to completion. 

Take the first step towards making your home more comfortable, sustainable, and energy efficient. Contact Wisconsin Home Improvement to schedule an appointment with a home insulation professional.