The fact is, other things also determine how comfortable and energy-efficient your home is – including the insulation. Insulation is one of those things you probably give little thought to, thinking it will last forever. This is true in some cases, however there are times when you need to replace it.
How do you know if there are problems?
Here are a few signs to look for.
Water damage.
Older homes often develop leaks in the roof, something you may not even notice at rst. Wet insulation is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, and water also causes the insulation to compact and shift out of place. If you’ve had a roof leak you’ll want to have the insulation in that area checked out.
Lower quality insulation may settle and compact.
Some contractors use less than adequate materials when building a home, including insulation. When cheap insulation settles, it can result in gaps and large areas that lack protection because the material compacts (think about how the cereal in a box settles, or the potato chips in a bag). In some cases you may be able to have the areas that need it filled in rather than replacing all of the insulation.
Insufficient insulation.
This is a common problem, and simply means the insulation doesn’t have a high R-value or is too thin to provide good insulation. If there is only four or ve inches of insulation in the attic, walls, or other areas of your home, you’ll probably notice it feels cold or drafty in winter months, or hotter than it should feel in summer months. Many people assume there is a problem with the HVAC system or it isn’t the right size, but it could be the insulation.
Good insulation is key to better indoor air quality and keeping your northern California home comfortable, but so is your HVAC system.
If your equipment is old, outdated, or constantly needing repairs, give the Bay Area HVAC experts at Ortiz Heating & Air Conditioning a call today.
Contact us today for your free estimate*:
Main Office – 650.758.4900
San Francisco & Peninsula – 415.404.6604
East Bay Area – 510.445.1940
Contra Costa County – 925.373.0799
San Joaquin County – 209.462.2665
*Free Estimates are on replacement or additional HAC Equipment. There is a charge for a service call to your home or business.
