A & A Insulation

Three things homeowners should know about insulation:

1. Start with the attic. Attics are one of the most important places to check when a home feels difficult to heat or cool. Older insulation can settle, become uneven, or provide less protection than a homeowner expects. Do not assume insulation is doing its job simply because some material is visible in the attic — the amount, coverage, and condition all matter.

2. Pay attention to rooms that stay too hot or too cold. If one room always feels warmer or colder than the rest of the house, insulation or air leakage may be contributing to the problem. Other warning signs can include drafts and heating or cooling equipment that seems to run excessively. Before assuming the HVAC system is the only problem, it may be worth having the home’s insulation evaluated too.

3. Don’t assume every house needs the same type of insulation. Spray foam receives a lot of attention, but it is not the only option. Depending on the home, homeowners may benefit from spray foam, blown-in insulation, fiberglass, or re-insulation of areas containing older material. Ask what type of insulation is being recommended, why it fits the property, and which parts of the home are expected to benefit most.

What insulation actually does: insulation helps slow the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of a building. In hot weather it can reduce the amount of outdoor heat entering the living space; in cold weather it can slow the loss of heated indoor air. That can contribute to more consistent indoor temperatures, reduced drafts, less strain on heating and cooling equipment, improved comfort, and reduced energy waste.

Signs a home may need more insulation: rooms with noticeably different temperatures, drafts, higher heating or cooling use, an HVAC system that seems to run frequently, or older and uneven attic insulation. These issues can have more than one cause, so an inspection can help determine whether insulation is part of the problem.