Attic insulation might not be the most exciting home-related topic to cross your mind (it’s no kitchen remodel, right?), but it plays a central role in maintaining your home’s comfort and reducing your energy bills.
If you’re in North Idaho or Eastern Washington, where winters are chilly and summers can sneak up with unexpected heat, your attic insulation has a big job to do. But how do you know if it’s time to show your insulation some love? Never fear—Custom Insulation, your Inland Northwest insulation expert, is here to help you figure out whether your attic insulation needs an upgrade. Your home (and wallet) will thank you.
Seven Signs To Watch For
1. Sky-High Energy Bills
Does it feel like your heating or cooling system is burning through your paycheck? If you’ve noticed your energy bills are substantially higher than usual and you can’t place the blame on the thermostat wars with your family members, your attic insulation could be the culprit. Poor insulation allows warm air to escape in winter and lets heat seep in during summer, making your HVAC system work overtime. Upgrading your insulation can bring those bills back down and keep you comfortable without the constant tug-of-war with the thermostat.
2. Drafts That Won’t Quit
Do you feel a mysterious breeze in your home, even when all the windows are shut tighter than a jar of pickles? Drafts could be a sign that your attic insulation isn’t doing its job. Proper insulation creates an effective barrier that keeps the outside air where it belongs—outside. If you’re constantly grabbing a sweater or cranking up the heat, it might be time for an upgrade.
3. Uneven Temperatures in Your Home
If one room feels like a sauna while another feels like an icebox, you’re likely dealing with insufficient or uneven insulation. A well-insulated attic helps regulate the temperature throughout your home, making every room comfortable—yes, even that one room you avoid in the winter because it’s colder than your garage.
4. Critters in Your Attic
Did you hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet overhead? If it’s not Santa, it’s probably pests. Insulation that has been damaged by rodents or other critters needs to be replaced ASAP. Not only can they ruin the insulation, but they also bring in bacteria, unpleasant odors, and a whole lot of headaches. An upgrade can restore your attic to a clean, pest-free space while improving energy efficiency.
5. Visible Signs of Wear and Tear
Sometimes, the signs are right in front of you. If your insulation looks compressed, damaged, or moldy, it’s time for an update. Older materials, like fiberglass batts, can deteriorate over time, especially in homes that have dealt with roof leaks or high humidity levels. Modern insulation options offer better performance and longevity, giving you a solid return on investment.
6. Ice Dams on Your Roof
North Idaho winters are beautiful, but those picturesque icicles hanging from your eaves can spell trouble. Ice dams form when heat escapes through poorly insulated areas of the roof and melts the snow, which then refreezes and builds up into a thick layer of ice at the roof’s edge. This ice damages your roof and can result in leaks and other problems. Upgrading your insulation with high-quality materials, expertly applied, can prevent the formation of ice dams and protect your home from unnecessary wear.
7. Your Home Feels Like a Time Capsule
If your home was built decades ago and you haven’t touched the insulation since, there’s a good chance it’s overdue for an upgrade. Insulation technology has come a long way, and investing in modern, energy-efficient materials can make an enormous difference.
What’s Next? Let’s Fix That Insulation!
Upgrading your attic insulation might not be as exciting as planning your next vacation, but it’s a sensible investment that pays dividends in comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind. If any of these signs sound familiar to you, it’s time to take action.
At Custom Insulation, we specialize in helping North Idaho homeowners keep their homes cozy in the winter and cool in the summer with top-notch insulation services. Visit our website to learn more, or contact us today to schedule a consultation. Insulate your home and budget against unwanted losses with a Precision upgrade!