Is Your Home Properly Insulated?
Eight Signs You May Need an Upgrade
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 42% of the average homeowner’s utility bill—a number that can skyrocket when a home lacks proper insulation. During Wisconsin’s harsh winters, insufficient insulation allows warm air to escape through your walls and attic, leading to discomfort and higher energy costs. If your home doesn’t have adequate insulation or if it’s improperly installed, the consequences can be costly for both your home and your wallet.
To help you identify potential issues, we’ve outlined eight key signs that your home may be under-insulated:
1. Cold Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
Up to 35% of your home’s heat can escape through walls. Interior walls, floors, and ceilings should feel warm and dry. If they feel cold or damp, it’s a sign of insufficient insulation. Conversely, exterior walls should feel cold, indicating that insulation is effectively keeping warm air inside.
2. Uneven Temperatures in Rooms
Are some rooms in your home consistently colder or hotter than others, no matter how you adjust your thermostat? Uneven temperatures often occur because certain areas—like those above garages or beneath attics—may be poorly insulated. Ensuring consistent insulation throughout your home can help stabilize temperatures and improve comfort.
3. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes in exterior walls are a major red flag. Proper insulation not only helps prevent heat loss but also protects pipes from freezing and bursting, which can lead to expensive repairs.
4. Chilly Drafts
Drafts around windows and doors are common during winter and can indicate air leaks caused by insufficient insulation. Windows alone account for about 25% of heat loss in a home. Adding insulation—such as spray foam for sealing cracks—can reduce drafts and lower energy bills.
5. Ice Dams on the Roof
Ice dams are a telltale sign of inadequate attic insulation. Without proper insulation, rising heat melts snow on the roof, causing water to flow to the cold edges where it refreezes. This results in dangerous ice buildup, which can damage your roof and gutters while posing safety hazards below.
6. Rising Energy Bills
Take a look at your energy bills over the past few years. Sudden spikes may indicate your heating and cooling systems are overworking to compensate for poor insulation. Upgrading insulation can significantly reduce energy usage and costs.
7. Pests in Your Home
Rodents and insects often find their way into homes through small gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. These same gaps allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter. Adding insulation not only improves energy efficiency but also helps keep pests at bay.
8. Moisture in the Attic
Moisture or water leaks in your attic can signal insulation problems. Poor insulation lets heat escape and water infiltrate, leading to potential damage such as mold and structural issues. Addressing these problems promptly can save you from costly repairs down the line.
Notice Any of These Issues? Let Us Help! If you’ve spotted one or more of these signs—or if you’re simply unsure about your home’s insulation—our trained professionals are here to help. We offer comprehensive insulation inspections, including thermal imaging to pinpoint problem areas.
Call us today at (608) 643-7914 to schedule an inspection and ensure your home is properly insulated for comfort, safety, and savings.
