Decades ago, there were little to no insulation regulations which means today, many older homes are either under-insulated or the insulation methods are now ineffective. Without proper insulation, homeowners face several issues that decrease the comfort of their homes and increase their energy bills.
By recognizing the common signs of under-insulation, homeowners will be able to take the necessary steps to make their home more comfortable while improving their energy efficiency. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs, home insulation types, and home insulation costs to make an educated investment when it comes to your home’s insulation.
Uneven temperatures throughout the house
A good indication of an under-insulated home is inconsistent temperatures from room to room. Oftentimes, people like to blame their uneven temperatures on the room’s location in the house combined with the time of year. While the sun and season can play a part in the various temperatures of your home, insulation has the biggest impact. If the temperature difference throughout your home is noticeable, your existing insulation is not doing its job.
High energy bills
It is normal for energy bills to rise during the summer and winter months, but a large spike during these seasons can mean your home is under-insulated. When a home is poorly insulated, energy will be used constantly to try to keep the home at a steady temperature. Proper insulation prevents hot and cold air from escaping so that your systems do not have to run as frequently. So, if you notice your heating or cooling systems are always working, you can assume that much of the expensive energy you are paying for is being wasted.
Cold floors and walls
The floors and walls of your home can tell you a lot about your current insulation. If they are cold in the winter and hot in the summer, it is safe to say the home is under-insulated. This means the temperature from outside can pass through all of the building and insulation materials and impact the temperature inside.
Noticeable drafts
Drafts are small cracks or openings that impact not only your energy bills but the overall comfort of your home. You may notice a slight change in temperature or breeze when standing by your windows and entryways, these air leaks are a sign that your home is not properly sealed and insulated. Without an effective air barrier, hot or cold air easily enters your home and your heating and cooling units will have to work extra to even out the unwanted temperatures.
Ice dams and frozen pipes
Poor insulation can cause serious damage to your home, especially if you live in a zip code with cold winters. Ice dams are formed when the heat escaping your home melts the ice on your roof. As it travels down your roof, it refreezes creating a barrier that prevents proper drainage which can end up leaking and causing damage to your roof, ceilings, and interior of your home. Likewise, if your home is not properly insulated, your pipes are at risk of freezing. If the insulation is preventing the pipes from staying at a safe temperature, they can freeze, burst, and flood your house.
How can you improve the insulation of your home?
If you are experiencing any of the situations above, it is time to consider new insulation. Doing research is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. By learning about the various forms of insulation, you can get a good idea of which will be best for your home as well as the cost. You should also research different insulation contractors in your area and read their reviews, check out their certifications, results, and types of insulation they specialize in.
Home insulation types
At GreenFIT Homes we use only the most effective types of insulation which are spray foam, loose-fill, batt and blanket, and rigid board. Spray foam insulation can fill every nook and cranny in floors, walls, and ceilings by expanding into a solid plastic with small air-filled cells after being sprayed. Loose-fill insulation works by blowing loose fibers or pellets into the cavities of buildings. This blown-in insulation is a common choice for attics and it takes a special type of equipment to properly install it. Batt insulation looks like a rolled blanket before it is installed and is made out of either mineral wool or mineral fiberglass. This form is best used below floors, behind walls, and above ceilings. Rigid board insulation comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and is great for reproofing work and perimeter insulation.
Home insulation cost
Insulation is an investment that will benefit you and your home in multiple ways. The cost of insulating a home will depend on which form you choose, how much space is being insulated, and the climate in your area. Naturally, some forms are more expensive than others because they come with different benefits and insulation values.
The cost of spray foam is typically calculated by the board foot which is the length, width, and depth of an area. The average cost of open-cell spray foam is $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot, and closed-cell foam ranges from $1.00 to $1.50 per board foot. Loose-fill insulation costs between $1.20 and $1.25 per square foot. Batt and blanket insulation averages $0.12-$0.16 per square foot. The price of rigid board insulation can vary because of the different thicknesses available, but on average it ranges from $0.67 to $1.26 per square foot. Many insulation contractors offer free quotes which is a great way to see what the project will cost you beforehand to make sure you stay in your budget.
As previously stated the total cost depends on many factors and can include labor expenses as well. It is critical to get your insulation installed by a professional to make sure you are getting the best results from your investment.