The Importance of Attic Insulation
Attics aren’t just a catch-all for storing stuff, they’re actually designed to provide a buffer between the interior of your home and the cold, heat, and humidity. However, just having a void space isn’t enough, the attic also has to be properly insulated.
According to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), 90 percent of homes in the US are under-insulated. If you have an uninsulated attic, or it has not been insulated for years, chances are your homes comfort and efficiency is compromised. If you’re wondering “Why is attic insulation so important?” We’re going to explain why below.
ATTIC INSULATION LOWERS UTILITY BILLS
Between 50% and 70% of the energy usage in an average home can be directly related to heating and cooling. When your home is under-insulated, it will take more energy (more money) to maintain a comfortable temperature. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their home and properly insulating. Your total savings will depend on a variety of factors: home design, HVAC system, and your family’s habits related to energy consumption. However, the average homeowner can save about $780 per year.
PREVENT GRADUAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WITH ATTIC INSULATION
Prevent damage to your home cause by heat and moisture by properly insulating your attic. When installed correctly, attic insulation can prevent water vapor from entering and causing damage. In addition, it slows down the buildup of heat in your attic, which can cause roofing shingles to swell and crack or in worse cases it can soften the plywood on your roof deck. Insulating your attic can also prevent against mold that typically develops in moist, cool areas. Proper insulation stops these problems from occurring by reducing or eliminating the effects of vapor buildup.
REDUCE WEAR & TEAR ON HVAC SYSTEM
It’s no secret that older homes tend to be drafty due to settling. Those drafts are places where conditioned air can escape, or outside air can infiltrate impacting the temperature inside your home. Combining that with poor insulation can place unnecessary stress on your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature. Adequate attic insulation reduces the dependency on your HVAC system to achieve a comfortable temperature reducing your energy consumption.
If you’ve been thinking your utility bills are too high, or you’re noticing your home is either too hot or too cold, you may benefit from adding additional attic insulation. We’re here to help, and we offer free estimates. If you’d like to speak with someone about your attic, you can request a free estimate below.
