Benefits of Replacing Old Insulation

Have you ever replaced the insulation in your home? Insulation is a crucial component of your home. It is also one item you might not think to replace as it does not have to be done very often. In this blog post, we will help you determine if your insulation needs to be replaced as well as cover the benefits of replacing old insulation.

How do I know if my insulation needs to be replaced?

There are a few signs that it might be time to replace the insulation in your home. Here are a few of the top reasons:

  1. The temperature throughout your home is inconsistent. In the winter, you will notice that a poorly insulated home has pockets of cold and the summer months leave you with overly hot areas of your home.
  2. You notice more drafts in your home. As insulation ages, you might start to notice areas of your home that are drafty and contributing to the uneven temperatures mentioned above.
  3. You are having an issue with rodents and pests in your home. Not only could these animals be reproducing and infesting your house, but they could also be wearing down and damaging your insulation too.  
  4. Household members are experience worse allergies. As insulation ages, it can hold onto dust and allergens. This causes allergies to be worse and some people even get sick from older insulation.
  5. Higher energy bills. As insulation’s quality decreases, it’s likely that you will have to pay more to help keep your home at the temperature you want.

While these are common signs that it’s time to replace your insulation, it is best to complete a home energy audit before jumping into replacing your home’s insulation. The energy audit will help determine the improvements you could be making to help make your home more comfortable.  

What is the typical lifespan of home insulation?

Different types of insulation are beneficial for different reasons. They also have different lifespans. Knowing the type of insulation in your home and its typical lifespan can help you determine if you are due for a replacement. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the most common forms of insulation have the following lifespans:   

  • Spray Foam Insulation: At least 80 years. Closed cell spray foam is the most resistant to damage because it does not absorb moisture.
  • Cellulose Insulation: 20 to 30 years. Cellulose is the most eco-friendly form of insulation, and is treated with a natural pest deterrent.
  • Fiberglass Insulation: 15 to 30 years. Fiberglass insulation is the most likely to be damaged by moisture and mold, and it’s the most likely to hold on to dust and allergens meaning it could need to be replaced as early as 15 years.

What are the benefits of replacing old insulation?

The biggest benefit of replacing insulation is to have a more comfortable home. It is also beneficial to replace your insulation to have a cleaner and healthier home. Learn more about some of the common benefits of replacing your insulation.

Increase your home’s comfort.

New insulation will help keep your home at an even temperature all year long. It will also help to eliminate drafty areas of your home that cause certain rooms to be hotter or colder than the rest of your home.

Ease the load on your HVAC system.

Similarly, to improving your home’s comfort, replacing insulation can slow wear and tear on your HVAC system. If you eliminate the uneven temperatures throughout your home, your HVAC system won’t have to work overtime to keep your home at a consistent and comfortable temperature.

Improve indoor air quality.

Over time, allergens, dust, and more can get trapped in your old insulation. Unfortunately, there is not an easy way to clear these from your insulation. Fortunately, it takes years to have enough build-up for replacement.

Protect your home from outdoor critters.

Replacing your insulation can help keep critters and small animals from entering your home where they were previously able to get in through old insulation.

Should old insulation be removed before new insulation is installed?

It is possible to install new insulation over old insulation. While it’s possible, it isn’t necessarily the best solution. If your old insulation has experienced moisture or water damage or mold, then it is best to remove your old insulation before replacing it with new.

Interested in finding out if your home needs new insulation? Contact Ecotelligent Homes today to start with an energy audit. Our team will help you determine if replacing your old insulation will help make your home more comfortable.