Insulation is designed to keep cold air out and warm air inside your home. As a result, the quality of your insulation has a lot to do with how energy efficient it is. If your home is feeling less comfortable and you’re noticing higher than usual energy bills this year, then you may want to upgrade insulation in your attic. In this guide, you’ll learn when to replace insulation, what time of year is best to do the job, and the benefits you can expect from performing this task.
When to Replace Attic Insulation
The best time of year to replace or upgrade the insulation in your attic is in the fall. This is the time of year when the weather is cool and dry. When you’re working in the attic, a part of the home that is traditionally sweltering, you’ll be able to work in greater comfort.
Performing the job in the fall is also important because you’ll be boosting your home’s insulation right before the cold winter weather rolls in. This way, your home will be prepared for winter and ready for whatever the season throws your way.
5 Signs Your Insulation May Need Updating
Insulation can perform well for a long time when it is undisturbed, but when it’s compromised in any way, it can lose some of its insulative properties. If you’re not sure whether your home needs its insulation upgraded, then here are five signs that your insulation isn’t working as well as it should.
- Animals in the attic – Attics are common places for animals such as squirrels, opossums, racoons, mice, and rats to crawl in and make nests. And when they do, they not only disturb the insulation, but they also soil the insulation with their waste products. Having the animals removed and the affected insulation replaced is essential for restoring your home’s insulation.
- Roof leaks – If your roof has a leak, the insulation will become moist or completely soggy. When this happens, the insulation is no longer effective. The roof leak needs to be repaired and the wet insulation will have to be removed and replaced.
- Inconsistent indoor temperatures – When your home’s interior experiences constantly changing temperatures, it could be a sign that the insulation in your attic or crawlspace has either shifted or is no longer effective. Upgrade the insulation in these areas, and your home’s temperature will become stabilized.
- Air drafts – If you feel air drafts in your home, but you can’t find any air leaks around your windows or doors, then the air could be coming in through your attic. In this case, the insulation in the attic is no longer performing as it should.
- High energy bills – it’s normal for energy bills to climb when the seasons change, but if you notice a higher than normal increase in your monthly bill, your insulation could be the problem. Check the insulation in your attic and crawlspace, and upgrade or replace it where needed.
Insulation Doing Okay? Your Windows Could Be the Problem
If your insulation is in good shape, but your energy bills are telling you your home isn’t properly sealed, then the culprit could be your windows. In fact, according to Energy Star, replacing old windows with new Energy Star certified windows can help you save an average of 12% on your energy bills.
At Thompson Creek we custom design, build and install our windows so you always get a perfect fit, which is essential when you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Give us a call for a free estimate on your replacement windows.