As one of the biggest sources of energy loss, the attic is an important place to insulate. Do you have enough attic insulation? If you don’t, or you aren’t sure, it’s time to call a local insulation company. Why wait? It’s summertime and you’re probably looking for ways to lower your cooling bill! Insulation is one of the best ways to gain long-term energy savings.
Many homeowners ask, “Do I need more attic insulation?” Your best bet is talking to an experienced insulation company, but there are a few things you can do on your own to help you determine if you may need more insulation. To start, poke your head up into the attic and take a look around. Can you see the floor joists (the wooden beams running across the floor)? If the insulation is level with or below the joists, you likely need more attic insulation. If you take a brief look around your attic and you still aren’t sure—or you don’t feel comfortable going up there—an insulation company can help.
Remember—even if you can’t see the floor joists and you think you have enough insulation in the attic, there could be hidden air leaks. Air leaks undermine insulation’s performance and can significantly hinder your home energy efficiency efforts. This is why it’s best if you get insulation professionals to come out to your house and assess your situation.
Other Signs You Need More Insulation
In addition to manually going up in your attic, there are a few other ways to tell if you need more insulation in the attic (and possibly other parts of your home). Have you noticed any of the following signs?
- Energy bills are higher than normal
- Second floor is uncomfortably warm, especially in the summer
- Air conditioning runs more than normal
- Snow melts off your roof too quickly
- Ice dams form on your roof
Even if you are experiencing one of these problems, it doesn’t guarantee that your home isn’t well insulated, but it’s not wise to ignore it. These are indicators that you may not have enough attic insulation, and that is something to look into!
If you think you need more attic insulation and are looking for an insulation company in the Chicago area, contact ThermaSeal / Lakeside Insulation today!
