Getting through the winter can be a real challenge when your home lacks adequate insulation. Insulation is a material that helps prevent heat from being transmitted from one area to another. While there are numerous types of insulation, most feature millions of tiny air pockets which act as highly effective insulators. The most common insulation materials include cellulose, fiberglass and foam. They can come in a number of varieties like batts, fill, rolls, spray board, foam board and vapor barriers. Read on to learn why you should replace your attic insulation before winter.
Reasons to Replace Your Attic Insulation
Replacing your attic insulation before the start of winter can have many benefits, including the following:
1. Lower Your Utility Bills
Heating accounts for approximately 29 percent of the average homeowner’s energy bill, according to Energy Star. If your home contains old or outdated insulation, or is under-insulated, you may notice higher-than-normal utility bills. By replacing your attic insulation, you can lower your monthly heat bill and minimize energy loss through your roof. For some homeowners, the savings can be quite significant. Various factors will determine how much you save, such as your lifestyle, type of heating system, home design, and the size of your attic or crawl space. Most homeowners will see a noticeable reduction in their heat bill when they replace their attic insulation before winter begins.
2. Maintain a Safe Home Structure
Replacing the insulation in your attic can also result in other major benefits, including a safer home structure. If you live in an area that is prone to moisture, water vapor can gradually seep into the structure of a house, eroding wood and destroying other materials in its path. Insulation acts as a vapor retardant which helps minimize damage caused by heat and moisture. During the winter, insulation can also prevent ice dams from forming, which happens when snow melts and refreezes on the edge of the roof. In turn, this can help prevent wood rot, mold and a variety of other issues.
3. Achieve Better Indoor Air Quality
Did you know that having the proper insulation in your attic can affect the air quality in your home? Outdoor pollutants like dirt, dust, mold, mildew and other contaminants can enter your home through air leaks in the walls, ceilings and roof. If the problem is not quickly remedied, these pollutants can buildup in the home, diminishing the air quality and leading to respiratory illnesses and other health problems. By insulating your attic, you can prevent these contaminants from entering your home, resulting in a cleaner indoor environment. Allow your family to breathe easy by replacing the attic insulation.
4. Put Less Wear & Tear On HVAC Systems
A new furnace or heat pump is not cheap. That is why many homeowners do what they can to extend the life of their existing heating system. When you fail to properly insulate your attic, your home will likely be draftier which can put excess stress on your HVAC system. When your heating unit is forced to work harder, it reduces its lifespan meaning more frequent repairs and the need for an upgrade prematurely. Replacing the insulation in your attic is an excellent way to put less wear and tear on your HVAC system. This is especially useful if you live in a climate that experiences cold winters.
5. Protect the Environment
If you are motivated to help the environment, you will be glad to know that replacing your attic insulation before winter can actually help the planet. As one of the most efficient energy-savings projects you can perform in your home, replacing your attic insulation can save a significant amount of energy over time, which is good for the environment. The amount of energy that we consume has a direct effect on local ecosystems. By simply replacing your attic insulation, undergoing duct cleaning, and investing in temperature control systems, you can do your part to help the environment.
6. Extend Your Indoor Living Space
Many homeowners use their attic for storage as it gets too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter making it unusable for most other purposes. When you replace the insulation in your attic, this space goes from being an uncomfortable room to an additional living space. If you ever wanted an extra bedroom, office, playroom, gym, library, or any other type of space in your home, insulating your attic is the first step towards making this dream a reality. In addition, an insulated attic can add value to your home and can make an attractive selling point if you ever choose to sell your home.
7. Remain Comfortable in Your Home
One of the biggest reasons that homeowners choose to replace their attic insulation is to achieve a higher level of comfort. Cool drafts not only make your heating bills skyrocket, but can result in discomfort. You may find that some rooms are colder than others and some spaces may be very difficult to heat. Replacing your attic insulation can help achieve even heating throughout your home, making it a more comfortable place for your family.
8. Prolong the Life of Your Roof
Many homeowners are not aware of the connection between attic insulation and the health of their roof. According to Home Advisor, the average cost of a new roof in the United States can range from $5,347 to $10,525, with the average homeowner spending about $7,783 to install a new roof. Insulating your attic helps prevent the degrading of the materials that make up the roof which helps extend its lifespan.
Speak to Experienced Attic Insulation Contractors
Having the right type of insulation and the proper amount can make a big difference in your finances and the comfort of your family. If you own an older home, you may also find that the insulation in your attic has a low R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more efficient the thermal performance of the insulation. To learn more about the benefits of replacing your attic insulation or to schedule an attic insulation appointment, contact the roofing contractors at Beyond Exteriors.