SOUTH KANSAS CITY Blog

Is Your Home 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 Koala insulation contractor to determine the best solutions for your home. They can provide recommendations and perform insulation upgrades to improve energy efficiency and comfort.

Call the Experts at Koala Insulation for Your Insulation Services

Look no further than the team of experts at Koala Insulation of South Kansas City! Our local insulation pros will guarantee to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable for many years to come!

Our friendly customer service representatives can be reached at 816-929-8255 to schedule a consultation or find out more about our dependable insulation installation and removal services!