Because the temperatures have stayed so cold this winter, those cold spots and drafty areas throughout your home are becoming more and more noticeable. There are numerous signs a homeowner can point out that may indicate the home needs more insulation. Below are some major signs your home may need more insulation:
AC and Furnace are Continually Running
Insulation is specifically designed to keep the temperature in your home balanced throughout the entire year–not just helping to keep the heat in. If your AC unit is on continually, and it feels like the temperature in your home spikes up when it turns off, you might need more insulation. Always having to run your AC or furnace to keep your home comfortable can be very expensive and uses a ton of energy.
Energy Usage and Bill keeps Rising
To help determine how much energy you are using to keep your home warm or cool during the year, compare your energy bills from last year to your current bills. If there is an upward trend in your energy usage and cost, odds are likely that your insulation is not properly doing its job.
Rooms Throughout the House are Warmer/Cooler than Others
Not all of the insulation will fail at the same time, which is the reason why some rooms will be more comfortable than others. If you start feeling drafts in some of your rooms, it is a good indication that the insulation in that room is starting to fall short.
Formation of Ice Dams on your Roof
Poor insulation in the attic and room can lead to ice dams, which can lead to extreme damage to your home. Attics can get very warm during the winter if it is poorly insulated. When your attic is properly insulated, that heat travels out the vents, but in a poorly-insulated attic, it travels right out the top of the roof, melting the snow during the process.
Moisture in the Attic
If you are experiencing any moisture or water in the attic, or water is seeping through the ceilings, chances are very likely that some of that has to do with insulation issues. Too much heat in the attic can cause moisture to condense, creating water seepage. Mold can start to form if you leave the problem persist for too long. If you are experiencing any of these telltale signs, your insulation may be failing. Call Tollefson Bros Exteriors, Inc. if you have any questions about insulation installation or repair at 952-881-2218.