NORTH HOUSTON Blog

How Does Insulation Help With Air Quality |Koala Insulation of North H

If you or family members suffer from allergies or asthma, you want to take steps to safeguard your home from potential triggers. While keeping spaces dust-free helps, you should have a closer look at your attic insulation. When it’s not maintained, the material can contaminate indoor air, especially if it harbors pests or releases harmful chemicals. Here’s a brief guide explaining how insulation and air quality are connected.  

What Is Attic Insulation? 

The most common type of insulation consists of fiberglass and comes with an R-value that indicates the quality level. A good rating for the attic is between 30 and 40, and the material makes your home more energy efficient by regulating temperatures inside. Its purpose is to control air flow, retaining heat when it’s cold and blocking it when it’s hot. 

It also traps pollutants, such as dander, dust, and debris so they don’t enter your living space. Besides improving comfort levels, it helps your HVAC system function optimally, keeping the air flowing through it cleaner and stopping dirt from blowing through.     

How Does It Improve Air Quality?

Attic insulation that’s correctly installed and has a good R-value not only regulates temperatures, but it is also moisture resistant. It can prevent leaks after a rainstorm, so mold and mildew don’t grow. This ensures toxic spores can’t spread or get into your HVAC unit. 

It also provides proper ventilation for appliances, such as the oven, furnace, and water heater, so there’s no carbon monoxide seepage. Otherwise, the odorless gas can trigger headaches and breathing problems. 

Lastly, having new insulation installed seals off any openings in the roof where insects and rodents could enter, reducing the risk of critters nesting in your home and spreading airborne germs, like viruses and bacteria. 

What Are Signs of Poor Insulation?

If the attic insulation is old, it’s no longer filtering the air entering indoors. You or family members who have allergies may experience frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, or sinus issues. Respiratory problems can also occur, such as increased coughing and wheezing, especially if mold spores have formed and spread due to leaks. 

As insulation begins to deteriorate, it could release volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. These particles can set off allergies and asthma. And since outdoor debris can easily penetrate through the material, you may notice more dust on surfaces and strange odors permeating rooms.

If you want to upgrade your attic insulation, contact Koala Insulation of North Houston. The family-owned company helps residents in Magnolia, TX, improve their home’s energy efficiency by providing expert installation services. They use high-quality materials to ensure your living space is comfortable and safe and that your household can breathe easier. For a free consultation, call (281) 749-1794 or visit their website to learn more.