There is really nothing more irritating than actually finding out that you’re losing heat in your home as it can have several different implications. First of all, and rather annoyingly so, you will find that your energy bill increases each and every month that the problem isn’t addressed. In this economy, a little bit of lost heat can translate into a mountain of debt to your utility company. If you’re not sure why this would occur, we’ll be happy to explain it.
Escaping heat will cause your heating or air conditioning unit to work overtime as the thermostat attempts to ‘catch up’ and keep the room at a desirable temperature. A lower heat loss means that it has less work to do in order to keep the room at an acceptable temperature and a lack of proper insulation can cause the temperature to fluctuate. So what causes it? What’s the problem exactly? There are a few things that insulation installers in Fort Lauderdale would certainly advise you of, and we’re going to touch on them.
Insulation Coverage is Everything
In all honesty, many DIY installers don’t get maximum coverage, and sometimes they choose insulation with a lower R-Value than what their home actually needs. In addition to that, there are some areas of the home that are left completely uninsulated, such as the crawlspace, attic, and even attached areas that aren’t commonly used. The problem is that unless you’ve sealed off entire sections of your house, heat is still going to escape, and that can turn into a serious problem.
Addressing the Problem of Coverage
Coverage is something that is pretty easy to take care of, and one of the most common solutions is to change the type of insulation that you are using. For example, instead of going with fiberglass insulation, many Fort Lauderdale Insulation services will strongly suggest switching to either closed or open cell spray foam insulation as it will infiltrate every crack and crevice of the space between your studs, making it the optimal choice in some of the more extreme climates.
Insulation Lifespan – A Reality We Have to Face
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors states that insulation does have a longer lifespan than most people think, though it depends on the type being used. For example, house wrap(Tyvek), wrap tape, and spray foam last for about eighty years, or more if taken care of properly. On the other side of the coin, products like loose fill, foamboard, fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose will last for more than a century. Here’s the catch: these predicted lifespans are based on ideal conditions. There are numerous exceptions to the rule which will include the following:
- Mold forms on the insulation making it ineffective
- Insulation is punctured causing effectiveness decrease
- Batt insulation falls from crawlspace ceilings after a while, roughly 15 to 20 years after the initial installation
- Dirty insulation is less effective
- Loose fill insulation settles and promotes air leakage.
These are all factors that are inevitably bound to contribute to air leakage and higher energy bills, which should make them a definite priority for anyone who is attempting to make their home a bit warmer, cooler, or economically feasible.
Should you Replace your Insulation?
If your home is losing heat or cool due to an insulation issue then it might very well be time to consider replacing it, but you should definitely speak with an expert first. That said, if you suspect that there is a problem with your insulation, then we strongly suggest that you give us a call and let us help you to work through it. It won’t be long before you have not only the estimate that you need, but you will also find that you are well on the way to actually replacing your insulation – it’s the least that you can do for your house!
