GREENVILLE Blog

5 Warning Signs Your Greenville Home is Under-Insulated

Your home’s insulation is probably the last thing you think of when you are sweltering through the South Carolina summer or shivering through the uncomfortable winter. If you find yourself constantly at war with the thermostat and spending more time struggling with your high energy costs, your home may be underinsulated. In addition to costing more to cool or heat your home, an underinsulated building can contribute to other costly home repairs.

In fact, most homeowners are surprised to discover how much insulation can impact their environment and finances. Higher energy costs, increased maintenance expenses, and even infestation risks can be some of the problems you may run into when you don’t have enough insulation installed properly. That’s why it’s crucial to look out for common warning signs which can indicate you need an insulation evaluation sooner rather than later.

5 Common Warning Signs Your Home is Underinsulated

Higher Energy Bills

One of the most significant places that homeowners may start to see the results of neglecting the insulation of their house is in their energy bills. This is because the primary job of a home’s insulation is to reduce heat transfer, which is the rate at which heat enters and exits a structure. Properly installed insulation with efficient coverage will help to reduce the effects of heat transfer in order to give your HVAC unit a break. As a result, the system runs less, which wastes less energy and reduces your monthly bills!

Increased System Repairs

Your home’s HVAC system is designed to run periodically, not constantly, and it is only made to last for so long. To extend the lifespan and improve the functionality of your HVAC system, you’ll most likely need to have regular maintenance performed. However, if the unit in your home runs more often than it is designed for, you're more likely to see an increase in repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, replacements. This can have an unexpected impact on your finances, especially if you’re in the middle of a heat wave during the summer.

Pest Infestations

Homeowners are often surprised that insulation can reduce the risk of pest infestations, depending on the type of insulation that’s installed throughout the house. For example, blown-in or loose-fill insulation gets into smaller, unnoticed cracks and holes that are the perfect areas for pests to make their new home. Cellulose insulation specifically is treated with boric acid, which can act as a pest irritant - it’s also hazardous to insects and small rodents that may try to ingest it. Homes that are underinsulated or do not have blown-in or loose-fill insulation can have gaps that roaches and ants can pass through, providing them with the perfect opportunity to nest and grow.

Mold and Moisture Damages

Mold and moisture damage can occur during any form of rainy weather; unfortunately, sometimes the damage is not as obvious as a downed limb or an area of standing water. Properly installed insulation that is regularly inspected and reinstalled when necessary, can actually inhibit moisture and mold issues. An insulation material like closed-cell spray foam covers the small cracks and holes in your home where moisture would normally set in.

Poor coverage of quality insulation in a home presents a prime location for moisture to collect, which in turn can lead to wet spots that damage the roof, walls, and even the foundation. The repairs to remediate these damages can be extremely costly while mold and bacteria growth can increase the risk of health hazards for you and your household.

Higher Fees and Waste

If your home is underinsulated, you’re more likely to find higher fees during repairs, additions, and reinstallation. This is because improperly insulated or underinsulated areas can waste materials, reducing the material’s effectiveness and increasing the need for updated material. Regular inspections of your home’s insulation can lead to reduced misuse 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 working with an experienced team, it’s important to ask questions about your home’s current condition and how updated or new insulation can improve your environment and the lifespan of your current material!

Increase Savings with Increased Insulation

In order to increase your monthly savings, update your insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste and utility costs. The licensed professionals with Koala Insulation of Greenville provide free evaluations to find cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solutions for your household. With a breakdown of your home’s current condition, we can help you target areas in your home that have poorly installed insulation or insufficient coverage.

When looking to reduce waste, costs, and discomfort, updated insulation and air sealing is a great first step to improving the space you live in. With the help of our industry professionals, you and your household can make informed decisions that take into account your current schedule and budget. To learn more about the impact of quality insulation and air sealing on your environment, contact our team of insulation experts at Koala Insulation of Greenville today to schedule your free evaluation.