Do I Need To Replace My Insulation?

How To Tell If It’s Time For An Insulation Upgrade

For many homeowners throughout Humble, TX, the topic of insulation is an out-of-site, out-of-mind discussion. If a room is cold, we generally just turn up the heat, put plastic over the windows or throw on an extra sweater. Poor insulation rarely catches a bad rap because it’s hidden behind a wall and most people don’t know what — if any — kind of thermal resistance is in their walls.

The real tricky question comes in knowing whether or not your current insulation is adequate. It’s one thing to rip into wallpaper and drywall to find your answer, but that creates a whole new problem in itself. Instead, follow these tips from our team at Air Tech of Humble to determine what type of insulation you have and what your options are moving forward.

Does Attic Insulation Go Bad?

It’s important to remember that insulation isn’t only for keeping cold air outside during the winter. It’s also crucial for blocking out hot air in the summer. The obvious spots for insulation are in every exterior wall, from floor to ceiling.

However, one of the areas where many homes have inadequate insulation is in the attic. Here in Humble, temperatures can approach 150° in an uninsulated attic as heat from the roof is absorbed into the rest of the home. This can make air conditioners work harder and drive up energy bills.

Even if you have insulation in your attic, it can become less effective with time. There are a variety of things that can damage your attic insulation, such as a leaky roof or unwanted visits from local pests. If you suspect your insulation is becoming ineffective, reach out to our team for help!

Insulation Upgrade Options

If your current insulation is costing you more on your utility bills and causing discomfort, the next step is deciding the type of upgrade you’d like. Popular insulation types include:

• Fiberglass batts — These come in rolls that fit into the space between wall studs. Installation requires open access to that area, which involves removing drywall or installing it in unfinished rooms.
• Polystyrene foam board — This can be installed from the exterior to provide high insulation value compared to the thickness, especially when combined with improved interior insulation.
• Loose-fill cellulose — This consists of a blown-in material that can be sent into an enclosed wall needing more insulation, and it’s also suitable for attic floors.
• Polyurethane spray — This insulation can be sprayed into enclosed areas or exposed attic floors, but its optimal effectiveness is achieved when pressure-sprayed into an exposed wall.

If you need help determining which form of insulation is best for your home, trust Air Tech of Humble to share our expertise during a consultation with our team.

Professional Insulation Inspections

The reason our team recommends that attics receive upgraded insulation first is because they’re easy to access. Attics can have insulation blown into them, and the joists are usually exposed.

Walls however are covered up by drywall or plaster, and what lies behind them is mostly a mystery. Upgrading wall insulation is costly because it involves the demolition of the finished walls or drilling multiple holes and rehanging drywall after improving the thermal resistance.

That being said, in an old house that’s suffering from AC or heat loss, this could be a worthwhile investment. If you need help assessing your installation needs, reach out to our team in Humble!

Trusted Insulation Installers In Humble

Upgrading insulation is a strategic investment that brings tangible benefits to your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Whether starting with the accessible attic or contemplating a more extensive endeavor into wall insulation, the key lies in informed decision-making.

Air Tech of Humble stands ready to guide you through the process, ensuring your investment not only aligns with your home’s unique needs but also contributes to a more sustainable and comfortable living environment.

Contact us to schedule an inspection of your existing insulation and learn more about which options work best for your home. We’re ready to hear from you!