GATEWAY WEST & METRO EAST IL Blog

Is Your Home Well-Insulated?

Even if your home is brand new or very old there is a good chance that your insulation may need updating.  Insulation studies have  shown that over 90% of homes in the United States are under-insulated.

The first reason for this is that builders typically only install enough insulation to bring the house up to code in your local city. Builder's typically find no reason to add any more insulation than is necessary and incur higher costs. So even if your home is brand-new, it may be under-insulated.

The second reason is that insulation settles and degrades over time, so if you've been living in your home for many years, there's a good chance your insulation may not be as effective as it was when you first moved in.

#1: Very Cold or Very Warm Walls

This is an easy test to perform on your own. Ideally, try this in the winter, where it's easier to notice a significant difference between the indoor temperature and the wall temperature. Place your hand on an exterior-facing wall. Suppose it's significantly colder than the interior temperature of the room. In that case, your insulation may not be adequately trapping heat inside your home and allowing it to seep out through the walls.

#2: Indoor Temperature Fluctuations 

Pay attention to the temperature of the different rooms in your home. You may have insufficient insulation if you notice significant temperature fluctuations between one room and another with all windows and doors closed.

#3: Higher Energy Bills 

If you start to see your energy bills creeping up steadily without any significant changes in your home's energy demands (you haven't installed any new major appliances or other energy-demanding items), your insulation may be to blame. As insulation degrades over time, it becomes less effective, and your home's heating and cooling system has to work harder to keep your home and your desired temperature, thus driving up your bill.

#4: Pests 

If you notice that your home has some uninvited tenants, like mice or roaches, it may be a sign that your insulation and walls need an inspection. Pests can cause damage to insulation, and vice versa, homes with inadequate insulation will let in more pests than a properly insulated home.

#5: Moisture

Wet spots on walls or ceilings should be addressed immediately and not ignored. Not only are they often a sign of improper insulation, but they can also cause severe damage if not addressed quickly. If you notice moisture collecting in your home, it's a good time to call an insulation expert.

#6: Mold or Mildew

This is what happens when improper insulation begins to let in moisture. You can end up with mold and mildew spawning in your attic, ceilings, or walls. If you start to smell or see mold, there's a chance that improper insulation may be to blame.

#7: Noticeable Drafts 

If you start noticing a little chill in the air but no windows or doors are open, that's a good warning sign that your home isn't properly sealed and insulated. Try to locate any areas in your home where the draft may be coming from so you can point them out to an insulation expert who can help you address the problem.

If you or a friend are searching for Insulation Services near Ballwin, MO, remember?Koala Insulation of Gateway West.?Call or text us at (314) 756-5661 for more information.