How can attic insulation lower your energy bills?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating and cooling account for more than half of a household’s annual energy consumption. However, many households may be unaware that they’re using more energy than necessary because of their attic.

Homes that have poorly insulated attics are at risk of heat loss by up to 25 percent. That’s why insulating your attic should be of prime importance. Attic insulation results in less strain on your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run.

Why is attic insulation important?

Your attic is more than just additional storage space. It has a vital role in your home’s energy efficiency. A well-insulated attic is able to regulate the indoor temperature year-round.

Your attic is more than just additional storage space. It has a vital role in your home’s energy efficiency. A well-insulated attic is able to regulate the indoor temperature year-round.

If air escapes through your poorly insulated attic, your HVAC system will have to work twice as hard to heat or cool your home. Proper attic insulation ensures that the air doesn’t go anywhere, preventing strain on your HVAC system. As a result of using less energy, you’ll have higher savings on your utility bills.

How can you tell if you need new attic insulation?

Your attic should keep heat out during the summer and keep warm air in during the winter. You may have installed attic insulation when you built your home, but there comes a time when it has to be replaced. Here’s how to tell if you need new attic insulation:

#1 Your utility bills are increasing

Is your energy bill increasing for no reason? Your attic likely needs new insulation. Over time, your insulation will become less effective at keeping warm air in or out. As a result, your heater or air conditioner will have to work twice as hard.

#2 Some rooms are hotter or colder than usual

Uneven temperatures are another sign of inadequate attic insulation. During the summer, some rooms may feel hotter than others. Similarly, during the winter, some rooms may feel colder than others.

#3 Your home feels drafty

If your attic isn’t insulated, outside air will be able to enter the home, resulting in breezes and drafts. At first, you might think that your windows are to blame, but the likely culprit is your attic.

#4 Your insulation looks worn

Inspect your insulation. Does it have mold, water spots, or other signs of wear and tear? If so, it might be time to replace it. In addition, if your home was built before the 1990s, your attic insulation likely contains asbestos, which is a serious health hazard. If that’s the case, call a professional. Exposure to asbestos can cause chronic lung disease.

Smart pipes can detect leaks and alert the user before any further damage can be done. Does this mean that plumbers aren’t needed anymore? Not at all. Smart pipes simply pinpoint where the leak is located. Everything else has to be handled by a plumbing professional.

Conclusion

If your home feels too hot or too cold, contact your local HVAC technician, Beeson Mechanical Service at 317-535-9338, to learn more about your options. They can determine the best kind of insulation for your attic so that you can start living comfortably.