INCONSISTENT INDOOR TEMPERATURES
If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat throughout the day, it could be a sign that your crawl space or attic insulation needs to be replaced. In some instances, the insulation may have just settled or shifted, and simply resetting the existing insulation as well as adding some more may rectify the issue. However, a full replacement will often be necessary.
INCREASE IN ENERGY BILLS
If you start noticing the price of your monthly energy bills rising over time, then it may be due to failing insulation. When the insulation isn’t doing its job as it should, the air conditioner has to work double duty to keep the house cool in the summer heat. The same goes for the heater clocking in overtime to keep your space warm during the winter. So, when your bills start rising, it may be time to get your insulation checked and replaced.
ANIMAL INFESTATION
Small animals like squirrels, rats, mice, snakes, or even bats love to sneak their way into crawl spaces and attics. If these little pests have made your home into their home, then it’s time to kick the critters out and replace any insulation in the spaces where they were living. It’s important to remove any insulation that might be harboring leftover feces, hair, allergens, or even babies to ensure that your home remains healthy.
HOME AGE
Homes built in the 1970s or earlier most likely need to get their insulation replaced. Insulation manufacturers have made leaps and bounds in improving the products that they offer since the 70s. With newer products, it’s easier to keep the temperature neutral in your home or workplace and save money on energy.
ALLERGY TROUBLES
If you’ve noticed an increase in allergies symptoms when you’re home, it may mean that your insulation is starting to wear out. In a recent post, we talked about the health benefits of having high-quality insulation as well as some warning signs and risks associated with low-quality or failing insulation. Some of the other health issues that poorly installed insulation can lead to or aggravate are bronchitis, rheumatic fever, or infectious skin diseases.
Water leaks can be another sign of failing insulation. Some places to look for leaks are around windows, doors, or in attic spaces. When leaks start forming, there is a good chance that mold and mildew is forming in the damp spots and affecting your insulation. It is imperative that you isolate and replace moldy insulation as soon as possible to keep the mold from spreading. Moldy insulation a huge issue because it is not very effective. When it is not warm and dry itself, the insulation cannot do its job of keeping your living space warm and dry. Mold is also known to cause diseases and contribute to breathing and lung problems.