I Need More Insulation (Part 1)

“I need more insulation.” This sentence starts so many of our initial client calls.  Insulation alone may not solve problems of comfort and efficiency. Insulation is important, BUT equally important are proper air sealing and duct sealing. When we probe a bit about overall comfort, drafts, uneven temperatures, and high bills, people will relay several common scenarios.  Here is common scenario 1…

Scenario 1: “We just bought a house…”

Buying a house tends to be one of the largest investments for a person or a couple or family.  So it makes perfect sense that a new owner wants to have it comfortable and efficient. One very common scenario we hear involves this…“We just bought a house, and the inspection report says we need more insulation.” The house may very well need more. However, it is much easier and more financially efficient to properly air seal a home and its duct system(s) before adding more.  So, we strongly recommend living in the house to identify comfort issues before just adding insulation. Of course, we can help at any point before, during, or after your move.  We can run a blower door test to identify air leakage and put together a plan to address it for you.

We talked to some realtors and those who have had an inspection before selling or buying a home. The consensus shows that “additional insulation” shows up in most (if not all) inspection reports. The exceptions are if the house was built or upgraded (with attic insulation) within the past several years.

Insulation – Only Part of the Overall Efficiency

Insulation definitely helps to improve overall efficiency.  Although, insulation does not block wind or drafts like proper air sealing.  Addressing home performance and comfort issues with the combination of air and duct sealing along with insulation works best.  If you recently moved into a house and have comfort issues, high bills, and/or want to learn more about making your home more efficient, contact us today.  You most likely do need insulation as part of the solution.

Eco Three is a trusted, leading-edge home energy authority dedicated to helping homeowners in Alabama.  We do this through our comprehensive home energy audits and energy-efficient upgrades. Our nationally accredited team of hometown experts uses the latest technology to provide actionable solutions to outrageous energy bills and home comfort issues. We are an experienced group of people with a unique plan and a sincere interest in making a difference in people’s lives and the environment. We service existing homes as well as new construction.