Are you busy thinking ahead and getting your home ready for another Metro DC winter? Cleaning the gutters and tidying up the lawn? Getting your lawn mower and trimmer ready for storage? Crossing your fingers that your heating bills won’t keep increasing?
Of all the things that you can do this fall to ensure a comfortable (and affordable) winter season, upgrading old, improperly installed, or insufficient attic insulation should be near the top of your list! Here’s why, and how you can benefit for years to come from this important fall home improvement work such as attic insulation.
The Benefits of Air Sealing Your Attic and Upgrading Your Insulation
During winter, your home often experiences what’s known as “the stack effect.” Differences in air pressure between the inside and outside cause warm indoor air to rise and escape through air leaks and poorly insulated areas in the attic. Meanwhile, cold outdoor air seeps in through your basement.
By air sealing and upgrading your attic insulation with cellulose or spray foam insulation in your Washington, DC home, you can slow down this stack effect. As a result, your heating system will operate less frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, providing more consistent comfort throughout your home and reducing drafts and cold spots.
Does Attic Insulation Help in the Summer?
The benefits of insulating your attic extend into the summer months as well. Whether you use spray foam insulation on your attic roof or blow cellulose insulation over the attic floor, it remains a vital asset for your home’s comfort. In the summer, attic insulation effectively keeps heat from entering your home, just as it keeps the warmth generated by your furnace, boiler, or heat pump contained during winter.
What Are the Signs You Need to Replace Your Attic Insulation?
Because insulation is typically concealed behind walls and in hard-to-reach areas, it can be challenging for homeowners to visually inspect it for issues. Even tiny cracks and gaps can result in significant air leaks and energy loss. However, if you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it may indicate that your attic insulation needs attention:
- Indoor Drafts
- Rising Energy Bills
- Inconsistent Temperatures Between Rooms
- Moisture Problems and Pest Infestations
- Upgrade Your Ductwork Insulation While You’re Up There!
Want to maximize the benefits of your attic insulation upgrade? While many companies simply inspect the attic, add insulation, and charge you for it (often referred to as “blow and go” insulation contractors), Home Energy Medics goes the extra mile. We ensure your attic is adequately protected, including duct sealing if necessary, and we determine the best way to insulate your ductwork to prevent energy waste.
Discover How to Improve Your Home with a Home Energy Audit
The most effective way to identify attic insulation problems before winter arrives is to schedule a home energy audit. Conducted by a certified home performance professional, an audit utilizes advanced technology, such as infrared thermal cameras and blower door testing, to assess the amount of heat and air moving in and out of your home.
Audits pinpoint the weakest areas in your house, allowing you to proceed with upgrades like attic insulation removal and replacement, ensuring that you’re making a wise investment in your home. New attic insulation in your DC area home will not only keep you warm and comfortable this winter but also contribute to a healthier living environment and help reduce your energy bills.
