Did you know that 90 percent of homes in the United States are under insulated?
If you’re part of this group—and there’s a good chance you are—you may be wasting energy and keeping your home from being as comfortable as it could be.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to insulating your home? One of the most frequently underinsulated parts of a home is the attic.
Read on to learn more about attic insulation and why it’s a great investment for your home.
Why Invest in Attic Insulation?
It’s definitely worth the investment to make sure your attic, as well as the rest of your home, is properly insulated.
The following are some of the greatest benefits of improving the insulation in your attic.
Lower Utility Bills
Are you tired of high utility bills? If your home is underinsulated, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than you ought to for heating and cooling.
By improving the insulation in your home, especially in your attic, you can save 15 percent (on average) on the costs of heating and cooling your home.
That might not seem like a lot initially, but it works out to several hundred dollars per year. Think of all the other things you could pay for with that money!
Increased Safety
Improving the insulation in your attic can also increase the overall safety of your home. This benefit alone is enough to convince most people to address their attic insulation.
Proper insulation helps prevent damage caused by moisture and heat. This damage can cause the wood in your home and the structures around it, i.e., your deck, to soften and can make you and your family more susceptible to various injuries.
Moisture buildup can also lead to mold growth, which can be toxic and cause a whole host of health problems.
Improved Air Quality
Proper insulation helps to improve the air quality in your home by preventing mold growth. It also keeps out other irritants, including dust and dirt.
When your home is properly insulated, you and your family members will be able to breathe more easily. You may also be less prone to issues like allergies and asthma.
Increased Comfort
Your home will be more comfortable when it’s properly insulated, too. You won’t have to hunt for a cool place in the summer or a warm one in the winter.
You’ll have an easier time controlling the temperature of your home and making sure that everyone feels their best during the hottest and coldest months of the year.
Longer HVAC Lifespan
Nobody wants to have to deal with expensive HVAC unit repairs and replacements.
If you feel like you’re always having the repair your HVAC unit or have had to replace it more often than you’d like, your insulation could be the issue.
Insufficient insulation causes your HVAC unit to have to work harder, which can lead to increased wear and tear.
You may also rely more heavily on the unit. This can also cause it to wear out more quickly.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Finally, insulating your attic properly helps to reduce your carbon footprint.
When you minimize the energy leaks coming from your home, you minimize the amount of waste and byproducts being put out into the air.
If you care about the environment and want to do your part to protect it, investing in better attic insulation is a must.
Signs You Need Better Attic Insulation
There’s a 90 percent chance your attic is underinsulated. There’s also a 10 percent chance that it isn’t. How do you know if you actually need to invest in attic insulation?
The following are some signs that you’re part of the underinsulated majority:
- The indoor temperature in your home is always changing
- You notice drafts inside your home
- Your energy bills have skyrocketed, seemingly for no reason
- You’ve been dealing with an infestation of rats, mice, or other pests
- Your insulation has sustained water damage
If any of these situations apply to you, you likely need to reinsulate your attic.
Types of Attic Insulation
If it seems that new insulation for your attic is in order, you’re probably wondering which type of insulation is the best fit for your home.
There are several different types of attic insulation, and all of them come with their own benefits.
The following are some of the most popular types of insulation you might want to use in your attic:
Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is blown into the attic using a special machine.
Fiberglass insulation is one of the most popular attic insulation options, especially in new-construction homes. It’s energy-efficient, non-combustible, and non-corrosive.
Cellulose Insulation
Like fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation also must be blown into the attic with the help of a machine.
This type of insulation is made using recycled, ground-up paper. It contains boric acid, as well. Boric acid helps to keep insects and pests at bay. It also helps to make the insulation fire resistant.
Spray Foam Insulation
Another popular option is spray foam insulation, which is made of polyurethane.
There are two types of spray foam insulation: closed cell and open cell spray foam.
Closed cell spray foam is denser than open cell foam. Because it’s denser, it does a better job of keeping moisture out and holding off drafts.
Open cell foam expands after it’s sprayed, so it can do a better job of filling in small gaps throughout the attic and the rest of the home.
Get Your Attic Insulated Today
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you ought to invest in attic insulation.
Are you ready to increase the energy efficiency and comfort of your home? If so, we can help at Good Life Energy Savers.
If you live in or around the Danbury, Connecticut area, contact us today for a free estimate.
When you work with us, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your house is being cared for by fully licensed and insured insulation installers.
Our technicians are trained and able to handle all your insulation needs with ease.
