If your summer energy bills seem higher than they should be, the culprit might not be your air conditioner—it could be your insulation. Inadequate or deteriorating insulation allows cooled air to escape and hot outdoor air to enter, forcing your AC to work harder and driving up costs. At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we help homeowners identify and fix insulation problems that lead to high cooling expenses. Here’s how to tell if your insulation is the reason behind those soaring bills.

Why Insulation Matters in Summer

Many people think of insulation as a way to keep their homes warm in the winter, but it plays an equally important role in keeping homes cool in the summer. Quality insulation creates a barrier that prevents heat from penetrating your home. Without it, your AC system must run longer and more frequently, leading to higher electricity usage and increased wear on the system.

Signs Your Insulation May Be Failing

1. High Energy Bills

If your cooling costs have steadily increased despite similar weather conditions and thermostat settings, it’s a strong sign your home is losing efficiency. Poor insulation allows cool air to escape and hot air to enter, making your AC work harder.

2. Uneven Temperatures

Do some rooms in your home feel much hotter than others during the summer? This often indicates inconsistent insulation coverage or gaps in certain areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, or exterior walls.

3. Hot Walls, Ceilings, or Floors

Touch an interior wall or ceiling on a hot day. If it feels warm, heat may be transferring from the outside through insufficient insulation.

4. Frequent AC Cycling

If your AC turns on and off more often than usual, it may be struggling to maintain a consistent temperature because cooled air is escaping.

5. Old or Compressed Insulation

Insulation can settle, compress, or degrade over time, reducing its effectiveness. If your home’s insulation is decades old, it may no longer perform at its original R-value.

Areas Where Cooling Loss Happens Most

Even a small gap in insulation can lead to significant cooling loss. Common trouble spots include:

• Attics – Heat rises, and in summer, attic temperatures can reach 120°F or higher. Without proper insulation, that heat seeps into living spaces.
• Walls – Especially in older homes, wall insulation may be minimal or non-existent.
• Crawl Spaces & Basements – Poor insulation in these areas can cause heat and humidity to enter, affecting the entire home.
• Windows & Doors – While not insulation in the traditional sense, inadequate sealing around openings can compound cooling loss.

How Koala Insulation Can Help

At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we offer a range of insulation solutions designed to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, including:

Spray Foam Insulation

Creates an airtight seal that dramatically reduces air leakage. Ideal for attics, walls, and crawl spaces. Learn More

Blown-In Insulation

Perfect for attics and retrofits, blown-in fills every gap for even coverage. Learn More

Batt Insulation

Cost-effective and versatile, batt is great for new construction or open-wall projects. Learn More

Air Sealing

Stops leaks around doors, windows, and penetrations, preventing cool air from escaping. Learn More

Crawl Space Insulation

Keeps unwanted heat and humidity from entering through the underside of your home. Learn More

Solar Attic Fans

Help regulate attic temperatures, reducing cooling loads on your AC. Learn More

The Inspection Process

We start with a free, no-obligation inspection to identify areas of heat intrusion and air leakage. Our team uses advanced tools to assess insulation depth, condition, and coverage. Once we pinpoint the problem areas, we provide clear recommendations and cost-effective solutions to improve your home’s efficiency.

The Impact on Cooling Costs

By upgrading insulation and sealing leaks, many homeowners see a significant drop in their summer energy bills—sometimes as much as 15–25%. Plus, better insulation improves indoor comfort, reduces humidity, and lowers strain on your HVAC system, extending its lifespan.

Ann Arbor’s Climate Challenges

In Ann Arbor, summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching into the 80s and 90s. High humidity amplifies the effects of heat transfer, making insulation even more critical. Without an effective thermal barrier, that outdoor heat can infiltrate your home quickly, causing your AC to run nonstop.

Benefits Beyond Energy Savings

Upgrading your insulation doesn’t just save money—it also improves your home in other ways:

• Better Comfort – No more hot spots or uneven cooling.
• Healthier Air – Reduced infiltration of allergens, dust, and pollutants.
• Noise Reduction – Insulation dampens outside noise for a quieter home.
• Increased Home Value – Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers.

How to Check Your Insulation

While a professional assessment is the most accurate way to evaluate insulation, you can do a quick DIY check:

1. Attic – Look for insulation that is level with or above the floor joists. If you can see the joists, you likely need more.
2. Walls – Remove an outlet cover on an exterior wall to see if there’s insulation present.
3. Crawl Space – Check for gaps, sagging insulation, or moisture damage.
   If you find signs of insufficient or damaged insulation, contact Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor for a thorough evaluation.

Why Choose Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor?

We’re a local company that understands Ann Arbor’s unique climate and building styles. Our team provides high-quality materials, expert installation, and personalized solutions to meet your home’s needs. We handle every step of the process—from inspection to installation—with professionalism and care.

Conclusion

If you’ve been battling high cooling bills and uncomfortable summer temperatures, your insulation could be the problem. By upgrading to modern, high-performance insulation, you can keep your home cooler, reduce energy costs, and enjoy a more comfortable living environment. At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we specialize in identifying and solving insulation problems that drive up cooling expenses. Call us today at (734) 519-0700 or visit our website for a free estimate.