The way your home adjusts to extreme cold and hot temperatures has a lot to do with how comfortable your winter or summer is. Proper attic insulation not only keeps your home warm during winter and cool in summer but also saves you a ton in energy bills.
How do you know that your attic insulation is faulty? Here are the top 5 signs to look out for!
Inconsistent Temperatures
A properly insulated home should have balanced temperature levels throughout the seasons. A cycling thermostat should be one of the first indications that you have an attic insulation problem. One minute it’s really hot and stuffy and the next it’s chilly and you need warmer clothes.
If you notice that your AC and heater are on overdrive to keep the temperature levels in your home bearable, then it’s time your attic insulation gets an upgrade. Your air-conditioning unit shouldn’t have to overcompensate.
Outrageous Energy Bills
Owning a home is all fun and games until the energy bills begin to increase by ridiculous amounts. The only way to ascertain that the high bills are as a result of inefficient attic insulation, is by having a point of comparison.
How much were you paying a few months ago? Are your bills considerably higher than that of your neighbors? If there are gaps in your home insulation, warm air will escape and cold air will find its way into your home, causing your air-conditioning unit to overwork.
Water Leaks
Water leaks from the ceiling are an indicator of faulty attic insulation. These leaks are caused by water seeping through the cracks on the insulation and finding its way into your interior walls. You have to be extremely cautious with these leaks because if they are left unattended, they can affect the structural integrity of your house.
These leaks may also cause mold formation which will affect the air quality in your home.
Ice Dams on the Roof
Ice dams are build-ups of ice that mostly form at a roof’s edge, preventing proper flow of melted ice water.1 This water is then trapped by the dam and ends up leaking into the house. Ice dams are caused by poor insulation that causes hot air to rise and melt the snow on your roof.
The melted snow trickles into the gutters where it freezes back due to the extreme cold. These dams are also a safety hazard as they can grow into big chunks of ice.
Cold Drafts
Did you know that windows account for 25% of your home’s heat loss?2 Drafts are specific areas of your house where cold air gets in, especially during winter. Doorways and window frames are the most affected.
If you experience chilly drafts during winter, you should consider hiring an attic insulation expert.
More Signs of an Attic Insulation Problem
Other common signs of an attic insulation problem include;
- Mold formation in the attic.
- Pest infestation
- Chilly walls and ceilings
Once you identify an attic insulation problem, ensure that it is immediately solved.
Links to sources used
- Dealing with and preventing ice dams | UMN Extension – https://extension.umn.edu/protecting-home-rain-and-ice/dealing-and-preventing-ice-dams
- Update or Replace Windows | Department of Energy – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows
