One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient is to have additional insulation installed in your attic. Insulation technology has changed dramatically over the past decade, and even a modest investment can yield big results on your energy bills. However, how do you know if you need more insulation? There are some easy ways to tell.
4 Signs You Need More Insulation
While it’s best to talk to a professional, there are some signs you can look out for on your own.
The snow melts on your roof but no where else. If you live in one of the higher elevations that surround Sacramento—or we get an usually cold winter—you’ll perhaps notice that the snow and ice melts on your roof before it melts elsewhere. This is one of the sure signs you need more insulation at the top of your house. It means that heat is escaping from your attic or from under your eaves and melting the snow.
The existing insulation is level with or below the ceiling joists. If you look across your attic and the existing insulation is even with or below the ceiling joists, you should probably have an additional layer installed.
Your existing insulation isn’t spread evenly and doesn’t extend to the edge of the roof. If you look in your attic and you see bare spots near the edges of attic, you may need to insulate. Conditioned air can escape via these gaps, so attic insulation is extremely important!
You’re using your attic for storage. What? Doesn’t everyone use their attic for old kids’ toys, holiday decorations and mementos that they can’t bear to part with? Perhaps, but they shouldn’t. An efficient place to add insulation is the attic “floor” (there should also be insulation in the ceiling/under the roofline) When you install a plywood floor so you can use the area for storage, there may not be enough room under that floor to install adequate insulation.
Other signs that indicate you may need more insulation in your home include:
- Energy bills that are higher than normal for the time of year
- Drafts (especially near windows) and uneven temperatures from room to room
- HVAC systems that run more than usual
- Unusually warm second story
Where do you need insulation in your home? Check out our interactive infographic:
If you think you need more insulation in your Sacramento area home, contact Gold Star Insulation. We’re been insulating homes for years, helping families save money and live more comfortably.
