Has your home recently started feeling drafty with cold spots? Have you noticed an unusual increase in your energy bills? If these aspects are also accompanied by mould and common pest infestations, you may be dealing with old, damaged, or ineffective insulation.
Older homes will often see insulation materials such as cellulose and fiberglass sagging and shifting. When this happens, the insulation loses its effectiveness and can also create big gaps, which cause the home to become colder. This post takes a closer look at the top reasons why you should update the insulation in your home more frequently.
Understanding what Insulation is and why it’s Important
Essentially, insulation is a type of material that has been designed to block or resist the flow of heat or cold air through your home’s walls and roof. A few of the more common materials used for insulation include the following:
- Polyester
- Rockwool batts
- Reflective foil insulation
- Spray foam
For the most part, insulation is cut to fit snugly between wall studs, roof rafters, and ceiling joints to block warm air from escaping. For best (and safest) results, insulation should be applied by professionals and should be upgraded when you notice signs of wear and tear.
The most common of these signs include the following:
- A 15-20% increase in your energy bills
- Uncomfortable temperature fluctuations between different rooms
- Visual degradation (you see damage when you check the insulation in your roof space)
How often you need to replace your home’s insulation can depend on various factors, such as age, type of insulation, the R-value (thermal rating of the material), and condition. Most homeowners only replace insulation after 10 years. Homes that have experienced water damage or pest infestation may need the insulation replaced sooner than expected.
Updated Insulation in Crucial
It’s no secret that the Australian climate can have a drastic effect on your home’s lifespan. This is because the climate ranges from cold and wet to hot and dry, which can cause building materials and insulation to deteriorate. It’s with this in mind that our experts are sharing the best reasons why you should consider upgrading your home’s insulation.
1. Creates a Comfortable Home Environment
A home with worn or damaged insulation can become incredibly uncomfortable in the warmer months. When your home doesn’t adequately keep hot air out, the temperature in the house builds up and increases the overall humidity. In the winter months, rooms can feel more drafty and can fluctuate in different rooms.
Having full functional insulation means that you’ll be able to create more consistent temperatures in your home. In addition to reducing the overall strain on your HVAC units, members of your household will also feel more comfortable all year round.
2. Reduces Overall Costs on Energy Bills
Improper insulation in your home causes your home to be colder in the winter and warmer I the summer. When this happens, occupants rely on their HVAC units more often. This, in turn, results in higher energy bills. Keeping your insulation up to standard will see an instant reduction in your energy bill, which is a huge plus in every regard.
3. Makes Your Home More Energy Efficient
If your goal is to make your home more energy efficient, then the best first step to take is to have your roof insulation inspected and assessed. This is especially the case if you haven’t replaced your insulation in several years or if you have noticed your home becoming more drafty.
Studies from the Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources homes that homes with quality insulation can easily reduce the cooling and heating energy usage by 40%. This can even be higher if you opt for superior insulation materials. Using less energy to keep your home warm or cool is an effective way to make your home more energy efficient.
4. Increases Your Home’s Resale Value
Your home’s selling features involve a lot more than available space and size. Research has shown that well-insulated homes are increasingly more popular than those that don’t have this feature. This means that if you’re planning to sell your home in the immediate future, it’s a good idea to have your insulation assessed.
Speak to your local installer about the best insulation to use for your area, climate, and home type. When doing this, be sure to keep a record of the installation so that you can add it to your home’s selling features. It’s also essential to check how the insulation should be maintained and checked. Doing this will ensure that you can keep the materials in top-notch condition, reducing the cost you need to incur to make your home sale-ready.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re going to replace your insulation as a DIY job or you’re going to use a professional, always insist on quality materials from your local home improvement centre. Some of the benefits of replacing worn insulation include better indoor air quality, increased home comfort, and reduced energy bills. This makes investing in the right insulation a worthy investment!
