Insulation prevents the loss or increase of heat within your home, which helps to maintain a more comfortable temperature and lower your monthly energy bills. However, since insulation only lasts for 10 years or so and a previous homeowner may not have added enough for your house’s needs, it’s a good idea to check the levels periodically. This is something that is often handled by a professional HVAC technician, but below is a quick guide that will help you check the insulation levels yourself if you’re so inclined.
Checking for Proper Insulation Levels
The first thing you’ll want to do is check the insulation levels in your walls and attic. Many homeowners seem to forget to check the attic or don’t understand the importance of doing so, which can lead to heating loss and increased utility bills.
Figure Out the R-Value and Amount of Insulation in Your Home
The R-value refers to your insulation’s ability to keep heat from passing through it. This value is determined by both the location of your home and the amount of insulation that is currently in each area. Indiana is in zone 5, so you can utilize the insulation chart on Energy Star’s website to find out how much insulation needs to be added. This is typically a do-it-yourself project, but feel free to hire a professional.
Search for Air Leaks in Your Home
Once the necessary amount of insulation has been added to your walls and attic, focus on locating air leaks that may negate a portion of the work you just completed. Feel for drafts, or have an HVAC technician perform a home-energy audit. Depending on the size and location of each air leak, you may require either caulk, spray foam, or weatherstripping to fix the problem.
Maintaining the proper amount of insulation in your walls and attics will help you keep monthly energy bills from unnecessarily skyrocketing. If you need more information on home-insulation levels or have questions related to home comfort, contact the friendly experts at Mowery Heating and Cooling. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Indianapolis and the surrounding areas for almost 50 years.
