PEARLAND Blog

5 Signs Your Pearland Home is Under-Insulated

When thinking about your home and ways to save money, insulation is probably one of the last things you may think of. After all, “out of sight, out of mind”, right? But your home’s insulation can be one of the easiest and most efficient places to save money, especially during extreme temperatures throughout the year.

In fact, most homeowners are surprised to discover how much insulation can impact their finances. Insulation that is improperly installed or the wrong type for the home can lead to poor coverage, irregular temperatures, and discomfort. This ultimately ends up causing higher electric costs, higher maintenance expenses, and could even lead to mold or pest infestation.

5 Ways To Tell Your Home is Under-Insulated

1. Increased Utility Bills

Your utility bill is the most obvious place to see problems caused by old, deteriorated, or poorly installed insulation. If your home is underinsulated, it can end up costing more to keep the heat out in the summer or warmth in during winter. This is because the primary job of your home’s insulation is to reduce heat transfer, which is the rate at which heat moves throughout the building. Reducing the ability for heat to freely flow through the house can also help your HVAC system regulate the temperature, reducing the amount of time the unit needs to run.

When you are at home, do you notice cold spots and drafts or are there some rooms that seem to be hotter or colder than others? When these problems occur, you may also notice that your HVAC unit needs to kick on more often just to keep up with the temperature you have on the thermostat. Not only does this contribute to significant energy waste, but it’s also driving up your energy costs every month just to keep you and your household more comfortable.

1. Increased System Repairs

An underinsulated home means increased use of your HVAC system. On top of the higher energy costs mentioned earlier, this also increases the risk of higher maintenance requirements. The extra effort needed to maintain the temperature inside the home can put a strain on the unit, which in turn may lead to more frequent or costly repairs. If you were already worried about the strain from higher energy costs, this could put an even bigger hole in your finances.

Your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to ensure that it will run efficiently and effectively throughout the year. When the system is running almost constantly to make up for lost heat or conditioned air, you may even need to replace the unit sooner than intended. Not to mention possible damage or breakdown because of running more frequently! Unfortunately, when this is the case, some homeowners choose to suffer through extreme temperatures just to keep their costs down. However, a free evaluation with Koala Insulation of Pearland can determine where you’re most in need of updated insulation so that you’re not only improving your regular savings but also the comfort of your environment.

1. Pests

Homeowners are often surprised that insulation can reduce the risk of pest infestations, depending on the type of insulation they have installed. For example, cellulose is treated with boric acid which is a pest irritant and hazardous to insects and small rodents that may try to ingest it. Other types like blown-in or loose-fill insulation get into smaller, unnoticed cracks and holes that are the perfect areas for pests to make their new home.

Homes that are underinsulated or do not have blown-in or loose-fill insulation installed in the proper areas can have gaps that pests like roaches and ants can pass through. While insulation isn’t necessarily a replacement for quality pest control, old and deteriorated material is often a significant factor in nests and food for pests that are looking for a new place to build their homes.

1. Mold and Moisture Damages

When properly installed and maintained, insulation can also significantly contribute to reducing moisture damage and the potential for mold growth. Many insulation types are treated to be quality water or vapor barriers that reduce the collection of moisture, reducing water damage and bacterial growth that can lead to mold. Additionally, when insulation professionals regularly inspect and replace necessary material, they can address any problematic water spots that may have occurred from extreme weather since your last inspection.

Poorly installed insulation or insignificant coverage in a home presents a prime location for moisture, which in turn can lead to wet spots that can damage the roof, walls and even the foundation. The repairs to remediate these damages can be extremely costly. If you notice signs of water damage or have experienced problems from recent storms or leaks, it’s important to check your insulation as soon as possible to make sure the material hasn’t also been damaged.

1. Reduced Material Waste and Fees

Regular inspections of your home’s insulation can lead to reduced waste of materials and related fees. Contacting an industry expert to review the best types of insulation for your home is the most time-efficient and cost-effective method. They can inspect your home’s current insulation situation, recommend the correct insulation, and even review your return on investment.

When you schedule a free evaluation with Koala Insulation of Pearland, our industry professionals can provide a detailed breakdown of your home’s insulation and air sealing. Understanding the current condition of your home’s materials can help you make informed decisions on the best course of action for any removal, replacements, or additions that may need to be made. By working with our local team, you’ll have the help of community experts that can provide quality service and materials for a cost-effective installation.

Increase Savings with Increased Insulation

When your home is properly insulated with the best material fit for the needs of the house, you can reduce costs in many areas and increase your potential for savings. With regular inspections from your local industry experts at Koala Insulation of Pearland, you can find cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions that increase comfort and safety without sacrificing your schedule or budget. To learn more about how updated insulation and air sealing can improve your environment, contact our team at Koala Insulation of Pearland today and schedule your free evaluation.