12 Signs Your Home Is Losing Heat – Time for New Insulation

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When autumn comes, there is nothing more frustrating than uncomfortable than feeling cold in your house even when you turn the heater to the maximum. If you have been bundling up at home or noticing your heating bills are on the rise, it may be because your home is losing heat and poor insulation may be to blame.

But how can you know if your insulation is on its last legs? Fortunately, there are some obvious indicators that a change is needed and recognizing them can prevent a great deal of wasted energy. Here are a few of them.

Drafts at Windows and Doors

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Putting a draft through your windows and doors even when they are shut is one of the most obvious signs that your insulation is not effective. Repair or replace any parts of the window that is damaged so you have a properly insulated home.

Rising Energy Bills

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If your heating bills are skyrocketing, but you always feel like you’re in front of a warm fire, your home may be the problem. When insulation is no longer efficient, your heating system has to work twice as much, and your energy bills will follow suit. A proper insulation upgrade will assist you in saving more in the long run.

Fluctuating Temperatures Within the House

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Temperature differences in the various sections of your house may be an indication of inadequate insulation. Proper insulation assists in heat circulation, and if you are frequently switching between hot and cold environments, it may be high time to inspect your walls and the attic.

Cold Walls and Floors

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Have you ever walked barefoot in your house and felt the walls or floors to be extremely cold? This could mean that heat is escaping right through them. Having proper insulation allows to build a barrier that will prevent the warmth from escaping it where it is needed. Cold floors can be just your house’s subtle hint that it is high time to add some warmth to your home.

Icicles Forming on the Roof

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While icicles may be beautiful during the winter, they are not a good sign for your home. They are normally created when heat leaks through the roof and melts the snow, then freezes at the bottom end. This is an indication that your roof insulation is inadequate. However, those icicles can also cause other issues such as ice dams, apart from simply not retaining heat.

Frequent Furnace Cycling

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If your furnace is cycling on and off frequently, it means that the furnace is working hard. This often occurs due to heat loss in the house at a rate quicker than the heating system can replenish it, thus the role of insulation is not being fulfilled. An upgrade could afford your furnace the much-needed rest it deserves and keep your home warm for a longer time.

Frozen Pipes

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According to National Association of REALTORS, while the frozen pipes are a problem in the plumbing system, they are also an indication that your home is leaking heat. When insulation is insufficient, the parts such as the basement, crawl space, and attic can become cold enough to freeze pipes.

Cold Air Coming Out of Electrical Outlets

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You may find it hard to believe, but cold air can come through your electrical outlets and this is common if your house is not insulated. Imagine putting your hand close to an outlet during a cold day. If you get a whiff of that, you’ve got an insulation problem where heat is escaping, and that’s just cash flying out the wall.

Condensation on Windows

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Ever noticed that there is moisture on the inside of your windows? This is an indication that your home may not be insulated as it should. According to EnviroVent, inadequate insulation also results in temperature variations that create condensation and, in the long run, window frames and walls will be affected and other problems will arise.

Cold Spots in the Attic or Basement

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Basements and attics are usually the most poorly insulated spaces in a house, and therefore, the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. If you observe that there are some areas in these places which are colder than the others, then it is high time to think about insulation.

Increased Humidity Levels

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If your home is suddenly feeling damp or stuffy, poor insulation may be the cause. When warm air is lost and cold air is gained, this causes humidity problems, making your home feel clammy. For instance, high humidity causes mold and mildew – two things that should not be found in any home.

Old or Degraded Insulation

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If the insulation in your home is more than 20 years old, it’s most likely no longer performing as it should. Insulation can wear out and therefore cannot trap heat in the house as it is supposed to do. If you have been living in your house for some time now, then it is high time you considered having your insulation replaced.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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