NORTH KANSAS CITY Blog

How Insulation Can Protect Your Home Near Olathe, KS

When you think of protecting your home from the harsh Olathe, Kansas weather and natural elements, your insulation may not be the first solution to come to mind. However, with the right type and overage, this installation can be the lifesaver you never knew your house needed. Here are a few ways insulation can protect your Kansas home.

Improved Temperature Regulation

Keeping the temperature inside of your house properly regulated may sound like a difficult task if you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat. However, ensuring that your house is properly insulated is the first and most effective step in maintaining proper temperature regulation. Without proper installation and coverage throughout your home, one side of the house can feel extremely cold while the other side can feel like a sauna. Not only is this uncomfortable but it can also raise the cost of your heating and cooling bills along with putting unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.

The primary function of insulating is to regulate heat transfer in your home. The material is used to keep heat inside of your home while keeping unwanted outside heating from entering. By having your house properly insulated, it will reduce the potential for heat to escape or enter your home through the walls, ceiling, and floors. An industry expert will be able to point out possible areas of your home that are improperly insulated, potentially putting your home at risk.

Reduced Health Risks

Having an under-insulated home can lead to possible health risks. Some insulation materials are treated to prevent pest infestations or reduce the growth of mold. For example, cellulose insulation is treated with boric acid; this is a chemical with antifungal properties designed to prevent mold growth as well as kill insects that may be looking for a food source. Other types of insulation are moisture-resistant and therefore can help in preventing water damage in your home, like closed-cell spray foam. Many homeowners don't realize the various types of insulation and what they can do for their environment, so make sure to check with an industry expert to find the best type of insulation for your home.

Many insulation types are able to get into the small cracks and crevices that small rodents burrow into when looking for a new home. These areas are dark and warm, perfect for rodents and insects that are looking to hide from the winter chill. With the use of an insulation type like blown-in material, they have a smaller chance of making a comfortable, hidden residence in your crawl spaces and attics. With proper care and evaluation, your insulation should act as a barrier rather than a doormat for insects and rodents.

Better Savings

As stated previously, a house without efficient insulation can be a heavy burden on the HVAC system. The unit will have to work harder and longer, making it more liable to need maintenance on a frequent basis. Without proper material and coverage, you're putting your home at risk of improper heat transfer and temperature regulation. This is due to heat entering or leaving your home through walls, windows, and doors that are not properly insulated or air sealed. Your HVAC system has to make up for the air leakage, working constantly to keep up with the extra or lack of heat to keep your house at the desired temperature.

Having your unit running constantly will not only lead to more frequent repairs but also to higher energy consumption and consistently higher utility bills. With retrofit or new insulation in your home, you could see up to a 25% cost reduction on your bills as well as a significantly lower energy usage. With better heat retention and regulation, your HVAC system will not need to run as long to keep your home at the desired temperature, giving your unit and your wallet a much-needed break.

Energy Efficiency

Last but not least, one of the best reasons to focus on properly insulating your home is for the benefit of energy efficiency. With quality material, your HVAC system will have an easier time maintaining the correct temperature for your home; this can help reduce energy costs as well as lead to your home becoming more environmentally friendly. Your system contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions so the less run time, the better for the environment.

Reducing your carbon footprint isn't the only way that insulation can help the environment. Many insulation materials are made from recycled materials or are made to have a longer lifetime to cut down on the insulation used over time. When you have a Koala Insulation professional come and inspect the insulation in your home, you're not only ensuring your home is comfortable and safe with up-to-date insulation, but that you're doing your part for your environment and surroundings.

Look for Help Near Olathe, KS

Now that you’re more aware of the importance of proper insulation, what are the next steps to take to ensure your home is up to par? Your first reaction may be to peek your head into the attic and check on the insulation distribution above your ceilings. While this is one step to checking your coverage, this isn’t the only location you should find insulation. In fact, the material should be throughout your home’s walls, above basements and crawl spaces, and even covering joists and crevices.

When it comes to a thorough and accurate insulation evaluation, it’s important to call local installers that can walk you through their process. With the industry experts at Koala Insulation of North Kansas City, you not only have a group of experienced and trusted individuals but also a team of educators. Insulation frequently suffers from the “out of sight, out of mind” treatment - it’s important to stay diligent and understand the effects of poor and grade-A quality insulation installation.