Did you know your home’s insulation plays a huge role in your energy bill? It surprises many. Check out the post below if you’re wondering how good insulation can decrease your bills. It will explore ways to tell if your home has good insulation and how it can lower your bills.
Signs Your Home Doesn’t Have Ideal Insulation
There are a few ways you can tell if your residence has proper insulation or not. Some concerning signs are:
- Inconsistent room temperatures
- A significantly higher energy bill
- You notice an increase in pests
- There are water leaks
- Your pipes are freezing during the winter
These issues will vary depending on how old your insulation is and its installation. Keep in mind that just because you don’t see issues doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Therefore, it’s crucial to inspect areas if you notice any problems above.
How Good House Insulation Lowers Your Energy Bill
Whether it’s summer or winter, insulation keeps your home’s temperature consistent. Because it regulates temperatures so well, you’ll find that your heater or air conditioner won’t overwork, which keeps them durable and from overusing energy.
Besides this, it keeps cool or warm air from sneaking into your home through cracks or poorly sealed areas.
How does insulation works? Most home insulation is made up of thin fibers. When packed together, they create a strong layer. This is designed to stop conductive heat flow, which can lead to an increase in energy bills. However, it will reflect those waves into your home in the winter.
As a home is built, the insulation will be pushed into its wood panels before drywall or similar material is spread over it as a house is built.
If an existing home needs additional or new insulation, holes will be drilled into around the wall’s studs and then fitted with a hose that will blow insulation behind the wall.
Home Insulation Materials
You’ll find that insulation can be composed of many different materials that have their perks. Some of these are:
- Foam
- Cellulose
- Fiberglass
- Natural Fibers
- Mineral Wool
What are Insulated Concrete Forms?
Another exciting home insulation option is insulated concrete forms (ICFs). These use special molds to hold thick concrete, often embedded with plastic foam. This not only makes the structure sturdier but works well at insulating it.
ICF structures can last for decades without needing repairs, thanks to their high-quality materials. This way, you can ensure they won’t break down over time.
ICF’s thickness will range from 4 to 12 inches, depending on your home’s needs. This ensures that all areas (including the joints) are adequately sealed to prevent air from sneaking in.
But some might be concerned that since ICFs are filled with plastic foam, this could melt or catch on fire under intense temperatures. However, while it could slightly warp, it won’t ignite. ICF structures usually have a four-hour fire-resistance rating.
The best thing about ICFs is that they’re energy-efficient, so they’ll help cut back on your bills. In addition, because they stop unnecessary air flow, they regulate temperatures much better than traditional insulation materials.
For even better savings, ICF construction in Howard County, IN, can combine this insulation with other energy-efficient options, like windows and doors, containing multiple layers to balance temperatures.
Other Benefits to Proper Insulation
Besides saving you money, good house insulation provides plenty of other perks. Some of these include:
- Removing pollutants from the air
- Lowering your carbon footprint
- Reducing sounds
- Increasing your home’s resale value
Can I Fix My Home’s Insulation?
While some homeowners add extra insulation themselves, this process can be tricky if not done right. For example, if you leave even a slight opening, it can cause issues. This is why it’s essential to hire an experienced professional who has the tools to confirm that the job is done correctly.
After contacting them, they’ll ask a few questions about your home, such as how old it is and what problems you’re experiencing. They’ll then set up an appointment to check out the insulation first-hand.
Once you approve their plan, they’ll carefully send a team to install new insulation. Depending on its condition, the old insulation might need to be removed before the new one can be added. In most cases, though, a professional will drill a hole near your wall’s studs and then insert a vacuum-like appliance to blow new insulation behind it.
Insulation is an essential building material that many take for granted. However, by confirming your home has adequate insulation, you can ensure that your future energy bills will be substantially lower.