Are you at home, wondering why you’re spending so much on your heating bills and still feeling a chilly draft?
If so, I doubt you’re the only one.
Some 90% of residential properties are under-insulated, according to measurements taken by the Home Energy Rating System (HERS).
It’s claimed that Americans would reduce electricity consumption by 5% and gas usage by 10% if our homes met standards set by the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
More importantly, compliance would reduce your utility bills.
An increasing number of buyers, especially those under 40, are now insisting on purchasing a home with green credentials
If you plan to sell, you may benefit from enhancing the quality of insulation as this is an increasingly important selling point.
Cold cash
If you think your utility bills are very high, then you should assess your insulation. Often, this is the first sign of trouble. A lot of energy escapes because of badly insulated hot water systems and pipes, and the leakage of warm air from the home.
Smell test
Poor insulation creates an environment for mold that emits a musty, damp smell. Health ramifications for your household can include general breathing difficulties, a sore throat, scratchy eyes and even rashes. A humidifier is a short-term fix.
Heat leakage
It’s wasteful to spend money on heating only for it to disappear through crevices around your home. Install draft excluders around doors and windows, and fill gaps around baseboards. If the problem is severe, find a contractor with an Infrared Thermography Scan to discover where the air is escaping.
Echo chamber
Noise transference is another tell-tale sign. If you can hear most things going in the home, the insulation in the ceiling and between the walls is probably lacking. Good insulation will dampen noise, too.
Critter capers
Sometimes, uninvited guests will find a home in your ceiling insulation, diminishing its performance. Not only will your insulation stop doing its job, but furry friends like possums and raccoons can leave deposits that might adversely affect your health.
Condensation
Insufficient and too much insulation will cause condensation on walls. You need air to flow freely. If you’ve crammed your roof cavity with insulation, you may need to reassess. If you let the problem continue, you’ll invite wood rot and mold, neither of which are good for your health.
Mystery stains
If your walls begin to show unexplained stains, you’re possibly facing an insulation problem that’s creating damp. Commonly, this issue will first appear on north-facing walls that don’t get the sun. Call a contractor who specializes in resolving damp issues.