As the cold weather settles in, your heating system may work harder to keep your home warm. Upgrading your insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency during winter. Good insulation keeps your home’s temperature steady and makes your heating system work less, which can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your need for heating repairs. Over time, insulation can break down or lose its effectiveness, allowing heat to escape.
Start With an Insulation Inspection
Before improving your home’s insulation, you must know where it might be lacking. Start by inspecting the most common areas where insulation is typically installed: the attic, walls, floors, and basement. The attic is usually the first place to check, as heat can escape through the roof if it’s not properly insulated.
In the attic, check that the insulation is spread out evenly and fills the gaps between the rafters. If you spot any bare spots or thin areas, it’s a sign you might need to add more insulation. Also, keep an eye out for moisture — damp insulation is less effective and could lead to mold issues. For the best results, aim for at least 12 inches of insulation to help your home stay cozy and efficient.
Next, check your walls. In many older homes, wall insulation can be insufficient or poorly installed. If you have access to wall cavities through a basement or crawlspace, you can assess the thickness of the insulation. If it seems thin or compacted, you might want to add more. A thermal camera or an energy audit might be necessary for homes with drywall to detect insulation gaps.
The floors, especially those above unheated spaces like basements or crawlspaces, play a big role in keeping your home’s temperature steady. Adding insulation in these areas helps stop drafts and keeps the cold from creeping up from below. If your home has a basement, it’s just as important to make sure the walls and floors are properly insulated. This will keep heat from leaving the foundation of your home.
Check for Drafts and Air Leaks
Once you’ve inspected your insulation, identify any air leaks or drafts around your home. Air leaks are one of the most common causes of heat loss, and they can occur anywhere there’s a gap in your home’s envelope, such as around windows, doors, or electrical outlets. You might not always notice these leaks, but they can add up to wasted energy.
To find drafts, close all windows and doors and check areas that tend to be drafty, like near baseboards, electrical outlets, and around windows and doors. An incense stick or candle can be used to see if the smoke moves when held near suspect areas, which will help you identify where the air is coming through. Another simple method is to run your hand along the edges of windows and doors on a cold day; if you can feel a breeze, you’ve found a leak.
Sealing these gaps is essential to ensuring your insulation is as effective as possible. Caulk or weatherstripping can be used around windows and doors, and foam sealant or expanding spray foam may be necessary for more significant gaps. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes and wires enter the home, as these are familiar sources of leaks.
Look at the Types of Insulation
The most common options include fiberglass batt insulation, spray foam, cellulose, and rigid foam boards. Each type has its benefits, and the best choice will depend on the area you’re insulating.
Fiberglass batt insulation is one of the most common and cost-effective options. It comes in rolls or pre-cut sections and is easily installed between studs, rafters, and floor joists. It’s great for attics and walls but has some downsides. Fiberglass can lose its insulating properties if damp, so it’s not ideal for areas prone to moisture.
Spray foam insulation is a more sophisticated solution that creates a better air seal. It expands as it’s sprayed, filling in gaps and cracks that might otherwise be hard to reach. Spray foam is excellent for irregular spaces around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations. It also acts as a vapor barrier, which can be helpful in areas with high humidity. However, spray foam insulation is usually more expensive than other options, so that’s something to consider, depending on your budget.
From recycled paper products, cellulose insulation is often blown into attics or walls. It’s an environmentally friendly option that offers good coverage and air sealing. However, over time, it can settle, making it less effective. Proper installation is also required to ensure it doesn’t become compacted, which could leave gaps in coverage.
Rigid foam board insulation is often used in areas with limited space, such as basements, foundations, or exterior walls. It’s highly effective at resisting moisture and can be a good option for homes with high humidity or frequent rain. However, it’s not as easily installed in places like attics or walls unless you can cut it into smaller pieces to fit the space.
Insulation Added to Specific Areas
Now that you know what type of insulation you want, you can focus on adding it to specific areas of your home. If your attic is under-insulated, add layers of fiberglass batt or cellulose insulation on top of the existing material. Just ensure the attic’s ventilation remains adequate to prevent moisture buildup, which often leads to mold and mildew.
For walls that may not be adequately insulated, you can add blown-in insulation, which can be injected through small holes drilled into the walls. This option is less invasive than tearing down drywall, but hiring a professional to ensure the insulation is applied evenly is still a good idea. Spray foam is also a great option for areas with difficult access, such as around window frames or gaps between floors and ceilings.
Fiberglass batt insulation or spray foam can be put between the floor joists for floors, particularly those above unheated spaces like basements or crawlspaces.
Cost Factors
It’s important to factor in the installation cost, especially if you’re hiring professionals. While some types of insulation are easier to install on your own, others require a more detailed process. For spray foam or blown-in insulation, it’s best to have a professional do the job to ensure it’s done correctly and safely.
Upgrading your home’s insulation can lead to a more comfortable, energy-efficient winter. Looking at your current insulation and fixing areas that need attention can make a big difference in how warm and comfortable your home feels. Even small upgrades to your insulation can lead to noticeable savings on your heating bills and help keep things cozy throughout the colder months.
At Southport Home Services in Madison, WI, we can help you assess your home’s energy efficiency to ensure maximum warmth this winter. We also offer cooling and heating maintenance, water heater, water treatment, drain cleaning, sewer cleaning, sump pumps, fixture installation, commercial plumbing, and commercial HVAC services. Call Southport Home Services today for custom solutions for your home.
