How to Tell if Your Attic Insulation Needs to Be Replaced

How often do you think about your home’s attic insulation? Probably not very often. It can become one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things you don’t tend to worry about until a problem presents itself. But when your attic insulation has big problems, you may not be able to tell right away.

Luckily, it’s not impossible for the average homeowner to find out whether there is an insulation problem that needs addressing even before you notice one of the tell-tale signs: increased monthly energy bills. That’s right—it may be your insulation, not a drafty window or an HVAC in need of maintenance, causing a gradual rise in your heating and cooling costs. But before we get into where you need to look, let’s talk about one of the biggest reasons to keep an eye on your attic insulation.

How Does My Attic Insulation Affect My Energy Bills?

First, it’s worth noting that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 50% to 70% of your monthly energy costs go toward your HVAC, whether you’re keeping your home cool in the summer or warming it up in the winter. And about 25% of your home’s energy losses—in other words, warm air infiltrating your home in the summer and escaping it in the winter—happen with the attic.

That’s because your home’s roof may have many tiny cracks, gaps, and voids allowing that air to come and go as it pleases. Your attic insulation is supposed to fill them all, but its gradual degradation means that air will eventually have a path to and from the outside. That’s when you start to notice the signs.

Signs to Look For

Of course, the thing you’ll likely be least happy to see is that energy bill increase. But, as far as physical signs go, here’s what you should keep an eye out for:

• Fluctuating indoor temperatures, especially if there are room-to-room drafts or if there is a noticeable difference from floor to floor in a two-story home
• Pest infestations in the attic
• Moisture in your attic insulation, which may have been caused by a leaking roof or ventilation problems

If you notice any of these signs, or if your insulation is around 15 years old, it would be wise to call an expert right away. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done to your HVAC and your energy costs.

What Kind of Insulation Do I Need?

In Arizona, most homes feature blown-in attic insulation. This cellulose insulation is sprayed throughout your home’s attic, blanketing it to create a tight seal for any cavities in the walls. While this form of insulation is sometimes made with harmful materials like asbestos and formaldehyde, some insulation companies use environmentally friendly mixes of recycled material to give homeowners a potentially less harmful option.

Find a Reliable Insulation Company

You may be able to spot some signs of damaged attic insulation on your own, but everything after that point is best left to the professionals. Luckily, homeowners in the greater Phoenix, Arizona, area can count on FOR Energy to help. We will thoroughly inspect your insulation and recommend the best solutions for you based on our findings. What’s more, we can install your insulation in as little as one day! Contact us to set up your consultation.