The insulation installed in a home has a significant impact on its energy efficiency as well as its interior comfort level. Professional home inspections can help homeowners determine whether the insulation in their homes is efficient and effective or is contributing to rising energy costs.
Why Home Insulation Is Crucial for Your Home
Regardless of the climate or type of dwelling, effective home insulation is critical to controlling energy costs. Insulation in homes acts as a barrier between the interior space and the outdoor elements, helping a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system maintain a steady, comfortable temperature in living areas.
However, when insulation ages or is improperly installed, temperature-controlled indoor air can easily escape. When cool air escapes during the summer and warm air escapes during the winter, HVAC systems must work harder to maintain the desired interior temperature, which leads to higher energy bills and unnecessary environmental impact. Even homes that had effective insulation when they were built will eventually require supplementary or replacement insulation to maintain maximum energy efficiency.
What Does a Home Insulation Inspection Involve?
Home insulation contractors can conduct home insulation inspections to help consumers plan their next steps in maximizing their homes’ insulation efficiency. A home insulation inspection, which may also be called a home energy audit, involves a comprehensive series of tests designed to inspect and measure your home’s efficiency from top to bottom. A home insulation inspection from Wisconsin Home Improvement includes the following:
- Infrared thermal imaging and diagnostics – This process will identify thermal gaps in a home’s perimeter that allow cooled or heated air to escape easily.
- Blower door draft testing – This determines where air leakage is occurring so you can address the problem.Â
- Combustion safety testing: This process tests furnaces, water heaters, and gas stovetops to ensure safe venting of gases.
- Attic, basement, and exterior assessments: These tests visually confirm under-insulated areas and identify potential moisture and mold issuesÂ
Signs That Your Home May Need Insulation Services
During a home insulation energy performance assessment, your inspector may find signs that your insulation is not acting as an effective barrier for your home. Some signs that your home may need insulation services include:
- Surprising energy bills: As insulation efficacy deteriorates, energy bills can creep higher because your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain interior temperatures. Unexplained energy bill increases could be due to insulation issues.
- Exterior walls that feel cool or warm to the touch: Depending on the season, ineffective insulation could mean warm or cool air seeps through to the outside. This may be detectable by walls that are unusually warm or cool.Â
- Cold and drafty winter interiors: Both insulation and air leaks can cause indoor drafts and uncomfortable temperatures in living areas.
- Mold or mildew issues: Ineffective insulation can lead to moisture issues, particularly in basements or attics. A moldy or mildewy smell is just one sign that your home may need better insulation.
The Types of Insulation for Homes
When you know your home needs more insulation, you can start exploring the different types of insulation available for your home. Two common types of insulation are spray foam and blown-in insulation.
Spray foam insulation is also called spray foam polyurethane foam (SPF). The specially formulated foam expands as it is installed, allowing it to quickly and easily fill up insulated spaces all the way to the smallest nooks and crannies. Spray foam insulation also offers superior moisture control and incredible long-term efficacy.
Blown-in insulation is another option to fill up odd-shaped (or any shape) spaces that need additional or new insulation. A powerful blower mechanism is used to blow recycled cellulose or fiberglass insulation into insulated cavities. Both blown-in and spray foam insulation are good solutions for homes that are experiencing the effects of aging insulation. An insulation inspector can help you understand the pros and cons of each type for your particular situation.
Why Choose Professional Home Insulation Services?
Professional home insulation services are the best option for both insulation inspections and installations. A professional can determine exactly where energy loss is occurring and assess the best solution to your situation.
While committed DIYers may want to install their own insulation, the cost of the machinery and equipment, coupled with the price of repairs if anything goes wrong, may not be worth it for most homeowners.
Schedule a Home Inspection with WHI
Contact WHI for home insulation services. Get in touch today to schedule your free home energy assessment and find out if your insulation is as effective as it can be. Don’t spend another season with ineffective insulation and sky-high energy bills. Get help today.
Trusted Home Insulation Services in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Home Improvement has decades of experience helping Wisconsin homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Still can’t decide if a home performance assessment is right for you? Go online and take the home efficiency quiz . The results of our quiz can help you find out how much you could be saving on a regular basis with more effective insulation.
FAQs
How often should I have my home insulation inspected?
Most homes should have an insulation inspection every one to five years, depending on the age of the home and its insulation.
What are the most common insulation problems that affect efficiency?
The most common insulation problems that impact efficiency are moisture control issues, damage caused by pests, and age. Although some issues are clear upon inspection (such as pest damage or moisture and mildew), others may require a professional eye to diagnose them.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional home insulation contractor?
A professional home insulation contractor will have experience in both diagnosing insulation issues and determining the best course of action for energy efficient improvements. Professional contractors will also have access to the right installation equipment and personal protective equipment to complete any insulation installation processes.
Can new insulation help with seasonal temperature changes?
Yes, new insulation can help with seasonal temperature changes. Effective insulation acts as a heat transfer barrier, whether outdoor temperatures are hot or cold, meaning indoor spaces stay comfortable in all seasons.
What impact does insulation have on the resale value of my home?
Insulation can have a positive impact on a home’s resale value. Because effective insulation makes a home more energy efficient, it can save homebuyers money year after year. Proper insulation can also make an older HVAC system last longer, which is another cost-saving measure that can be attractive to potential home buyers.
