BALTIMORE Blog

Top Ways To Tell if Your Home is Under-Insulated

Determining whether your home is under-insulated involves assessing various areas of your house to see if they meet recommended insulation levels for your region and climate. Inadequate insulation can result in energy loss, discomfort, and higher utility bills. Here's how to tell if your home is under-insulated:

High Energy Bills

   - If you notice that your heating and cooling bills are consistently high, it may be a sign that your home lacks proper insulation. Insufficient insulation allows heat to escape during the winter and enter during the summer, making your HVAC system work harder.

Temperature Fluctuations

   - Uneven temperature distribution throughout your home can indicate insulation problems. Cold spots in winter or hot spots in summer could be a result of inadequate insulation.

Drafts and Air Leaks

   - Walk around your home and check for drafts and air leaks. Common problem areas include windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic hatches. If you can feel cold or warm air seeping in or out, your insulation may be insufficient.

Ice Dams

   - During the winter, the formation of ice dams on your roof can suggest poor attic insulation and ventilation. Ice dams occur when warm air from your home melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the eaves, causing ice buildup and potential roof damage.

Inconsistent Heating or Cooling

   - If your heating or cooling system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, it may be working overtime due to insufficient insulation. Listen for your HVAC system running constantly or cycling frequently.

Visible Insulation

   - Inspect your attic, walls, and crawl spaces for visible insulation. If you can see the insulation, it may not be enough or properly installed. Proper insulation should be hidden behind walls, under floors, or in the attic.

Condensation and Moisture

   - Excessive condensation on windows or walls can be a sign of insulation problems. Poor insulation can lead to temperature differences that cause moisture buildup and potential mold issues.

R-Value Assessment

   - The R-value measures the insulating effectiveness of a material. Check the R-value of your current insulation and compare it to the recommended values for your region. Insufficient R-values indicate inadequate insulation.

Professional Inspection

   - Consider hiring a professional energy auditor or insulation contractor to conduct a thorough assessment of your home's insulation. They can use specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras to identify insulation issues.

Age of Home

    - Older homes may have outdated or deteriorated insulation materials. If your home is several decades old and hasn't had insulation upgrades, it's more likely to be under-insulated.

To address under-insulation, consult with a qualified insulation contractor to determine the best solutions for your home. They can provide recommendations and perform insulation upgrades to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Koala Insulation of Baltimore Experts are Ready to Help

Insulation experts can then make custom recommendations about the types of insulation that are appropriate for your home's unique needs. Our employees at Koala Insulation of Baltimore train in-house on how to properly handle, install and inspect various types of insulation. Our local crew offers free evaluations so you have a better understanding of your building's needs. We also break down the current condition of your insulation so you can target pain points and future updates while taking into account your schedule and budget. Contact Koala Insulation of Baltimore to learn more about how our free evaluations can impact your comfort, safety, and savings.