3 Negative Consequences Of A Poorly Insulated Home
If you are concerned about the quality and integrity of your home's insulation, you should contact an insulation technician. He or she will thoroughly inspect your attic and other areas of your home to determine if your existing insulation is compromised in any way, and he or she will suggest ways to mitigate it. Here are three negative consequences of a poorly insulated home and what you can do about them:
Increased Energy Costs
If the insulation in your home is old or deteriorating in any way, cold winter air and hot summer air can enter your home, causing your heating system and air conditioner to work harder. New insulation can help keep extremes in temperatures out of your home so that you and your family stay comfortable.
In addition to checking the insulation in your attic, an insulation technician may also be able to inspect your windows and doors to determine if they have large gaps that may also contribute to a spike in your utility bills. If you feel that the insulation in your attic needs to be replaced, never do it yourself. Improperly installing attic insulation can lead to structural problems in your home and may also lead to health problems for you and your family.
Poor Air Quality
Another negative consequence of a poorly insulated home is poor air quality. When your insulation is old or worn, its ability to filter out outdoor allergens is diminished. Not only can poor-quality insulation allow the entry of pollen, mold spores, and ragweed into your home, but it can also leave your home vulnerable to fumes such as smoke from nearby backyard fire pits, fireplace smoke, pesticide residue, and noxious odors from businesses and industrial areas.
This can be especially troublesome for people who have breathing disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or severe allergies. While waiting for an insulation technician to assess your home, consider using an electronic air purifier to help improve the quality of your indoor air.
Also, if you or one of your family members has a respiratory disorder, keep your doors and windows closed on days when pollen and mold counts are high.
Critter Invasion
Perhaps one of the more disturbing consequences of a poorly insulated attic or roof is the invasion of animals such as squirrels, raccoons, possums, and mice into your home. While you may not realize that these critters are living on your premises, there may be telltale signs, such as the pitter-patter or scratching of little feet above you, or even scratching sounds within your walls.
You may even hear the squeaks or squeals of baby animals in your attic, especially during squirrel breeding season. To prevent the entrance of wildlife into your home, have an insulation contractor or technician check your roof and attic for any gaps or openings.
Small animals can enter your home through miniscule openings, so it is important that these small spaces are effectively sealed with proper insulation. If animals gain access to your attic, do not attempt to remove them yourself. Instead call a wildlife expert who can assess the situation and develop a safe and effective plan of action.
According to Energy Star, properly adding insulation to your home and sealing leaks can effectively lessen the entrance of pollen, insects, and dust from entering your home. It is therefore important for the health and safety of your home and family that you contact an insulation technician or contractor who can visit your home and inspect your attic, roof, walls, windows, and doors to determine if your existing insulation needs to be replaced or serviced in any way.
Contact a company like All Weather Insulation to learn more.
