What is the Big Deal About Attic Condensation?

I’m sure you’ve heard that a home with an attic filled with condensation isn’t ideal. But honestly, who cares? You never go up there, the door is shut off from the rest of the home, and all you do is store some luggage and other forgotten boxes. What harm could a little condensation do? Unfortunately quite a bit. An attic that has condensation is merely s symptom of other issues. Condensation presence means that air is having free access to flow in and out of your attic (and therefore home) without issue. The air that you are paying to heat and cool is exiting and entering your home at will, drastically increasing your average electric bill. Condensation also suggests that there is water vapor and humidity in your attic. Humidity breeds mold, meaning that the moldy, unhealthy air is now circulating throughout your entire home for your family to breathe. This is not a safe situation. So what’s the solution? We’re so glad you asked! Our team of experts is prepared to secure your attic and rid it of any and all condensation. We’d recommend encapsulating your attic, installing attic insulation on the floor, and potentially even the walls. We’d seal up any air holes and ensure that the r-value for insulation is the right for your location and room. We’d conduct a full attic mold removal, scrubbing any existing mold and tearing out any fallen or moldy insulation. Your average electric bill would immediately be affected, as your HVAC would no longer be working overtime to heat and cool your home. Give us a call! We’d love to discuss your concerns further and find a solution for your attic condensation.

Attic Condensation: The Cause

Condensation – meaning some form of liquid – is found in an attic not because your roof is leaking. In fact, it most likely will not have anything to do with a leaky roof or flooding. Rather, the most common cause of attic condensation is an uninsulated and unsealed attic. Attic insulation acts as a barrier, slowing down the transfer of heat in and out of your home. Air sealing ensures that no holes are open to the outdoors, maximizing the efficiency of your home and protecting the space from any humidity that Charlotte, NC homes so often endure.

Condensation is best described as follows. It’s a hot, humid day in your home in Matthews, NC. You go grab a nice, ice-cold Coke from your refrigerator and set it out on a table in your backyard in the hot sun. Naturally, your Coke begins to “sweat.” This is condensation, as the cold Coke is meeting the hot air. The condensation is the result. The same occurs in your attic. During the hot summer in Matthews, NC, warm air is able to seep through gaps or holes in an uninsulated attic. The warm air then is circulated into your home. This warm, outdoor air comes into contact with your air-conditioned air. When the hot air meets the cold air, condensation forms. If the temperature variation is great enough, frost can form. Whether frost or plain condensation, this creates a great health risk. Condensation breeds mold. The mold then lives in your attic space and in the insulation (if installed). You and your family breathe in this air, which can have a great effect on your health. We would highly recommend any home with condensation immediately have an attic mold removal. From there, we’d want to encapsulate your attic and have it working at maximum efficiency to lower your average electric bill.

Attic Condensation: Identification

If you’ve determined that your roof is secure and no leaks are to be found, there are many visible symptoms in the attic itself that can clue you into the main cause. Unlike a roof leak where the clues are obvious staining and clear localized entry, attic condensation is not often localized, leaving clues in other fashions:

Water stains going down the walls
Water slowly rolled down the walls
Musky, damp smell
Visible Mold
Visible Rust
Dark Stains
Damp or visibly wet insulation
Damp or wet floor or wallboards
Moisture on any windows or panes
Buckled or warped roof sheathing
Wide-spread nail pops

Attic Condensation: Prevention

So now that we know how it occurs, how do we prevent it in the first place? The best way to ensure that your home does not suffer from attic condensation is premeditated action. We’d recommend that any uninsulated attic become an encapsulated attic, or at the very least have some form of insulation installed. This will create a buffer, slowing the transfer of heat in and out of your home. The type of insulation you install is very important, as well. The r-value of insulation is especially important, as you need to ensure that the thickness of the insulation is the proper type for the room and your home’s geographic location. Here in Charlotte, NC, we’re Zone 4, meaning that an attic is required to have an r-value of insulation of anywhere between R-30 and R-60. The most important thing you can do is take offensive action to ensure that you aren’t playing catch-up later.

Attic Condensation: The Solution

If any mold exists already, you would first want to have an attic mold removal and insulation removal of any falling, wet, or moldy insulation. This insulation is no longer functional and offers no economic benefit. In fact, it is actually a hindrance, as it is housing mold whose air particles are now circulating throughout your home, putting your family at risk of health issues.

Air sealing is the next logical step. You will need to have any air gaps or holes in the attic sealed to prevent air from entering and leaving at will. Large gaps will be filled with spray foam that will expand once sprayed in place. It will create a tight seal, blocking the free flow of air. Smaller gaps (smaller than ¼”) will be sealed with a fire-resistant caulk. This will be around electrical boxes and other places with minuscule holes. These are all very important to seal, as you need an attic that is 100% sealed and shut.

While sealing the attic is important, proper ventilation is still necessary. Ventilation permits humid air from entering the attic once it enters. All vents need to be in good condition and functional. Vents should not be covered by attic insulation and fully open.

Attic insulation is the last and arguably the most important step in the process. You will potentially want to encapsulate your attic depending on the severity of the issue. Regardless, you and your specialist will discuss the r-value of insulation you desire in the space and make a game plan for attic insulation on the floors and the walls. You can choose from blown-in insulation, spray foam insulation, and foam board insulation, amongst others. Each has excellent benefits, but some are more functional in spaces than others. Regardless, however, an insulated attic will ensure the safety of the air you are breathing in your home, maximize your home’s efficiency, and reduce your average electric bills shortly after installation.

Attic Condensation: Next Steps

Find yourself all too familiar with the symptoms we’ve discussed and concerned that your home is suffering from an attic with condensation. Homes in humid environments, especially here in Charlotte, NC, fall prey to attic condensation quite frequently. If your average electric bills have continued to rise without reason, your home is beginning to smell musty, and you’ve noticed your attic insulation is sagging, it is very possible that your attic has a condensation issue. Have our team of experts out to your home. We offer free inspections to assess the area, and any damage, and provide you with a custom-fit solution. We will sit down and discuss the different options available to you, such as the type and r-value of insulation. We will explain the benefits of a fully encapsulated attic or simply some installed attic insulation. We will handle any attic mold removal and ensure that when we are done, your home is safe, secure, and set for the future. Don’t hesitate. Give us a call today. We’d be honored to serve you and your family.

How Does Insulation Directly Affect The Air In My Home?

Attic insulation, check? Although having attic insulation is a great start, most people don’t take the time to assess and understand if their attic insulation is still effective and sufficient to not only protect a home from external conditions but also ensure it is not contributing to poor indoor air quality within the home. There are many causes of poor indoor air quality, some of which insulation protects against, and others that poor insulation can actually cause if the insulation’s condition is not checked regularly. Some signs of poor indoor air quality that can be caused by ineffective or old insulation are allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, etc.), strange smells or odors, sounds or signs of pests, and breathing problems, among others. Good Home Insulation is here to help you check the quality of your insulation and be a part of the solution to bringing cleaner and fresher air into your home. Schedule a visit with us today!

How Insulation Can Lead to Poor Air Quality

Understanding how your insulation can impact your indoor air quality is an important yet often overlooked aspect of being a homeowner. Whether your home has the proper levels of insulation at R-30, R-38, R-49, etc. is only part of the solution to ensuring it is doing its job in protecting your home. Some of the most common issues can happen over time even if insulation is well cared for and others are the result of unwanted moisture and pests that find their way into an attic.

Age

All good things must come to an end…even insulation sometimes needs to be replaced after it has served its purpose for many years! Over time, certain types of insulation like blown-in fiberglass can settle and/or accumulate dirt and other particles leading to it becoming compressed, reducing its R-value and therefore its effectiveness in protecting your home. The most visible signs of these issues’ impacts on indoor air quality can be increased air leakage from the attic that either brings a draft or dustiness along with it. Just like another regular spring cleaning around the house, the attic is another place to regularly ensure dust and dirt accumulation doesn’t find its way into the home!

Moisture & Mold

Another culprit for insulation damage and poor air quality is too much moisture which not only will reduce the effectiveness of the insulation but also can lead to mold growth. If left alone and mold or bacteria begins to grow, it can put off spores and particles into the air that can cause serious sickness. This is why the EPA recommends removing insulation that has been impacted by too much moisture and replace with new. Before replacing insulation, however, it’s also important to address the root cause of any excessive moisture whether that be a leaky pipe, condensation, roof leak, etc so that the new insulation does not suffer the same deterioration.

Pests

No one likes the thought of unwanted critters or pests making a home in their insulation…but you can’t blame them for finding a soft and warm place for the winter! The impact of pests on insulation is often seen through what they leave behind in waste, dirt, or even worse if they don’t make it out alive. Much like mold, this can lead to odors and contaminated air that should be kept outside. Often in these instances, the insulation should be removed and replaced with new insulation once the pest problem has been addressed.

Controlling Air Movement & Mitigation

But shouldn’t the air in my attic be staying in my attic? Great question! The short answer is in most cases, yes. There are good forms of ventilation and airflow within a home that promote a balanced environment, but there is also air movement that should be controlled and stopped when not helping to ventilate in a cost-effective and healthy way. As an example, in naturally ventilated attics where soffits and ridge vents or gable vents are used, the attic air should not be entering your home in the first place as this air is unconditioned and works against the heating and cooling systems in your home to condition the indoor air. Let’s take a closer look at how air movement in a home works and then address how we can help replace any insulation that is not promoting a healthy air environment.

Air Movement

Two fancy terms when talking about air movement within a home are the thermal boundary (the boundary around the home at which insulation is installed) and the air barrier (the boundary around the home at which air is sealed off between internal and external to prevent uncontrolled air leakage). Since these two boundaries are intended to be aligned and continuous around the home, that means that anywhere there is insulation, there should also be adequate materials to make the interior area airtight.

Let’s think about this in regard to a naturally ventilated attic as mentioned previously. Most commonly used in these attics are blown-in fiberglass or cellulose insulation that lays on top of the interior space’s ceiling drywall (i.e. the attic floor). Properly installed drywall will create an airtight barrier, but there are many opportunities for cracks and gaps that can allow all that conditioned air to leak into the attic and bring in the unconditioned and potentially harmful air from the attic into the living space. A few of these examples are cuts and holes in the drywall for a ceiling fan, outlets, cables, ductwork, piping, etc. and if not properly sealed around increase that air exchange between conditioned and unconditioned spaces.

Air sealing is one of the first priorities when addressing indoor air quality issues and ensuring that unconditioned air does not pass the air barrier. Once this is mitigated, we can move on to fixing issues with ineffective or harmful insulation.

Replacing Insulation

Once it has been determined that the current insulation in place is either no longer doing its job or is even causing harm to your home potentially from one of the issues above, the next step is to replace that with new insulation. While it doesn’t sparkle like a new appliance or increase your curb appeal, new insulation does more for the home than many realize! The insulation removal process looks different depending on the type and condition of the current insulation, but once that is out we will ensure that the problems that led to the deterioration of the current insulation are resolved before putting in new insulation. There are many different types of insulation to consider (blown-in fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, spray foam, etc.) and we would be happy to help you understand what those options are and make the best decision for your home.

Now that you know the potential risk of your insulation’s impact on indoor air quality, what are the right next steps? It starts with assessing the current conditions, identifying any issues, drilling into the root cause, and creating a plan to bring cleaner and healthier air into your home. No need to do this alone, let us know how Good Home Insulation can help!

How to Lower Electric Bill using Insulation & Air Sealing

Living in a climate with fluctuating temperatures really makes you thankful for modern developments over the years that allow us to maintain a comfortable climate despite what may be going on outside. However, we’ve all seen the cost of this comfort on our monthly utility bills making you ask questions like, why is my electric bill so high? While the weather outside often determines when we run our heating and air conditioning, making sure you are doing everything you can to reduce the burden on your systems will also help lower your average electric bill or heating bill as you make your home more energy efficient.

Two of the primary things that you can do to make your home more energy efficient involve insulation and air sealing. There are several types of insulation to choose from with various pros and cons, but at the end of the day, we want to ensure you have the proper amounts and that it is well-installed. Air sealing is another method to prevent you from letting that costly air inside slip through the cracks creating drafts and reducing indoor comfort. Read on to hear how we can team up with you to ensure you’re putting your dollars into the right place to maximize efficiency!

Understanding How Insulation & Air Sealing Works

Let’s start with why we need insulation in the first place which is because of the way that heat flows. Although we can’t see it happening, the air is always moving in a way to balance out temperature meaning that heat moves to areas that are colder. Within a house, this works against our desire to keep a comfortable temperature inside either because it is warm outside and we are trying to keep cool air inside or vice versa, it is cold outside and we are trying to keep warm air inside. To keep outdoor and indoor environments separate, we insulate and seal as much as possible in order to prevent this heat transfer. This concept applies to all sides of your home, but one of the most common areas where improvements can be made is in your attic.

Types of Attic Insulation

When it comes to the types of insulation used in attics, there is no shortage of options that offer solutions for different circumstances. Some of the most common types are loose fill insulation (cellulose insulation, fiberglass insulation, or mineral wool insulation) which is blown into the attic space, batt insulation, spray foam insulation, and several others. You can read more about these and more here.

Common Air Leaks

In addition to heat always looking to move to colder areas, it will also always follow the path of least resistance. This means that not only will it move through a poorly insulated wall or ceiling, but it will travel even quicker through gaps and cracks where there is no barrier at all. One of the most obvious symptoms of an air leak or lack of air sealing is a cold draft entering your home in the winter in which case heated air is rushing out of the home and being replaced by cold air from outside. While there are many different types of air leaks, a simple visual inspection can help identify more obvious ones whether that be through poor or lack of weather stripping around doors and windows, gaps in between siding, can lights housed in the attic, or a poorly sealed attic hatch. A more thorough method of identifying these leaks can be found through a blower door test to reveal more of these leaks that are not always visible or felt. Once these are identified, we can go about finding the right solution to properly seal these and keep that costly air inside!

How Improvements Can Lower Your Average Electric Bill & Other Benefits

In the US, it isn’t uncommon for homeowners to spend $200 or more per month on heating and cooling their homes. After all, home should be a place that is comfortable so we want to maintain those comfortable temperatures, but also find more efficient ways to do so. According to the EPA, homeowners can likely save an average of 15% of their heating and cooling bills by adequately insulating attics and other spaces as well as air sealing. Just like any other investment you would make, we are interested in the return on investment for taking these steps to improve the efficiency of your home. Let’s walk through a simple example.

Impact on Your Average Electric Bill

Let’s say that your average cost per month for utilities is $200 and that heating and cooling represent 75% of that cost. On average then, you are spending $150 per month or $1,800 per year to heat and cool your home. Using a savings of 15% after making insulation and air sealing improvements would yield $22.50 per month or $270 per year. When you compare these savings with the investment of blown-in insulation cost which can vary based on the size and levels of insulation required, the project typically pays for itself within a few years and even quicker for more drastic improvements. It’s not every day you come across a guaranteed return on investment!

Other Benefits

While reducing utility costs is often the driver of looking into making energy efficiency improvements in a home, there are several other benefits that come along with saving money in the short and long run. One of the other financial benefits we often see is reduced strain on the home’s heating and cooling systems. The better that your home keeps the conditioned air inside and blocks outside air from coming in, the less your systems will need to run which leads to less maintenance and a longer lifespan. As these appliances can cost around $8,000 to replace, extending their life can be another great way to save money over time.

If you are looking to sell your home in the future, making these improvements can also be a great selling point to potential buyers. Not only will we ensure that your home is up to date with the latest code requirements regarding R-values (more on that here), but taking these steps is often a sign to buyers that you as a homeowner have cared for your home well and have set it up for optimal energy efficiency for the future. If you are a homeowner, you know the stress of the home-buying process and also the relief it brings when you know the prior owner has taken adequate steps to ensure a safe and efficient home.

In addition to these, taking steps to properly insulate and seal your home can also bring health benefits as external air with any pollutants or allergens is kept out of the home, reduction of noise outside of the home, and moisture reduction, among others. We’d love to talk more with you about how you specifically may benefit from taking some of these steps. Each case is different and we look forward to seeing how we can partner together to reach your optimal solution.

What’s Next?

Properly caring for your home and addressing opportunities for insulation and air sealing go

a long way when looking at how to lower your electric bill and capture some of the other benefits. While we can all probably agree making these improvements are a step in the right direction, we also know there are many decisions to arrive at the best solution for you and your home. Whether that is determining the best attic insulation for you (i.e. blown-in cellulose vs fiberglass, spray foam insulation, etc.) or knowing where and how much you need, our specialists are here to help guide you through those decisions. Let us know how we can help!

Why Is My Room So Hot?

Ever wonder why one room in your home is so hot? Fear not, you are not the only homeowner to experience this uncomfortable situation where one room is notoriously always warmer than the rest. There are a few potential culprits for this issue. But don’t worry, we have the solution! We are here to help identify the source of the problem and ensure that you are left with a long-term, functioning solution by the time we are done. These are the most common reasons that we are asked: “Why is my room so hot?” The most common reason is due to a lack of insulation. Attic and wall spaces require insulation to buffer the walls and prevent the outside air from coming indoors. Blown-in insulation costs vary depending on the type you decide to install in your home, however, you will see an immediate reduction in your energy bills once doing so. So fear not, we’re here to help! Give us a call today to get your home protected and insulated.

What are the Causes of a Room Being So Hot? Let’s Take a Look!

1. Insufficient Insulation

This is the most common answer to the question ‘Why is my room so hot?’. Insufficient insulation in the attic and/or walls can be a surefire reason why a specific room is overheating in the summer and uncomfortably cold in the winter. Insulation serves as a barrier to the outside air, keeping the cold and humid temperatures outside and ensuring that your A/C and heaters do not have to work overtime to keep the room at a somewhat normal temperature. A lack of insulation not only would have you to experience these symptoms but also have quite a high energy bill.

So what is the solution? We would recommend having insulation installed in the walls and floors of your attic space. There are many different types of insulation to choose between and our specialists will be able to provide you with a custom solution for your specific area. Blown-in insulation costs vary depending on the size of the space, as well as the necessary thickness of insulation based on your geographical location. It might also be helpful to install a dehumidifier in the space. This will help ensure the relative humidity remains at a constant temperature, reducing the work of your A/C and heater, as the temperature will no longer be fluctuating wildly.

The type of insulation that you install in your home will depend on what you desire out of it. There are three main types of insulation we would recommend using. Fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, and rockwool insulation. Each type has its own specialties and related costs. Blown-in insulation costs will vary, however, insulation will last anywhere between 10-20 years. This will be a long-term investment that will begin to pay off immediately, as your home will become much more energy efficient, making the home more comfortable, while also lowering your energy bills.

2. Inefficient Air Ventilation

Another issue could be faulty air vents. The room that experiences extreme temperatures could have an air vent that is either blocked or damaged. The cold and warm air that your A/C and heater, respectively, are pumping in could be blocked entirely, having the room solely be cooled or heated by the air coming through the walls and windows. This isn’t ideal.

We’d recommend having a technician inspect your home's air conditioning and heating systems. They will be able to inspect the ductwork to see if any blockage or damage is visible. If this is the case they will either clear out the blockage or replace them altogether.

3. Faulty Ductwork

Another culprit could be the air ducts in your home. The ductwork in your ceilings is the freeway in which all of the heated and cooled air in your home is transported. Over time, dust and other debris can build up in the ducts, slowly affecting the airflow. The heated and cooled air, therefore, takes longer and must work harder to move into certain rooms.

We’d recommend having a technician come and inspect and clean your ductwork. They will be able to remove any dust or debris that is in your ductwork and ensure the airflow is back at peak efficiency. Doing this yourself is not a recommended pursuit, as it is very fragile and we would not want any accidental damage done to your ductwork.

4. Excess Sunlight

Do any of the rooms in your home have large windows, allowing a lot of sunlight in? This also may be a cause as to why your room is so hot. It is natural in rooms allowing in a lot of sunlight to have hot spots. In the winter, these rooms have drafts if the windows aren’t perfectly sealed. This can cause unnecessary additional work for your A/C and heaters.

The solution? It might be wise to invest in some sort of light protection, whether that be blinds or curtains. You can shut the blinds or curtains on a hot day and while it will not block 100% of the sunlight, it will still have a dramatic effect on the temperature of your room. It will help your A/C and heaters quite significantly, as well as your energy bill.

5. Improper Thermostat Location

Another potential cause for excessive heat or cold in a single room may be due to the location of your home’s thermostat. If a thermostat is installed in an improper location – too close to a heat source or in direct sunlight – it may be reading the wrong temperature and thus adjusting improperly. Factors such as sunlight exposure, heat from a kitchen stove or oven, and steam from a bathroom shower all could contribute to your thermostat improperly regulating the temperature.

6. Incorrectly Sized Air Conditioner

It is imperative that the air conditioner in your home – whether it be a split or a duct system – be of the proper size and capacity for the space. If the air conditioner is too small, you will most likely experience uncomfortable temperatures, as it will lack the ability to regulate the room’s temperature properly. If the air conditioner is too big, it will conduct cooling cycles that are too quick, thus failing to reduce the humidity in the space. The purchase of an air conditioner is actually a very important activity, as it has a significant impact on the effectiveness of your home. These are some important factors to consider when purchasing:

Space of the room
Floor plan of the space
Insulation installation (if any) and type
Ceiling space
Number of residents

So let’s ask again. Why is my room so hot? There are so many potential contributing factors to this issue. However, the first that we would highly recommend you consider is your insulation. Attic insulation and wall insulation can make a significant difference in the temperature regulation of your home. The blown-in insulation cost will depend on the size of your space, the amount of insulation required, the type of insulation used, and the geographic requirements for your home’s zone. We would be more than happy to come to your home to assist in determining what would be the most cost-effective solution for you. Your home is the greatest investment you will make. Let us help you preserve it and ensure it functions at its fullest capacity.

Uneven Room Temperatures: The Fix

Every home is different – in build, size, level, and age. However, there is a custom fix for each to ensure it is properly insulated, secured, and protected from the house's air and humidity. Insulation – r30 and r38 insulation thickness, among others, – are key to ensure proper comfort and care for your home. Homes that lack the proper insulation, unfortunately, suffer from higher energy costs, as your home is not maximizing its energy efficiency or potential. Fear not, however, there is a cure!

Temperature Fluctuation

Homes that struggle with uneven temperatures are all too common. Ever wonder why certain rooms in your home seem warmer or cooler than others? This isn’t simply due to the age of the home, as some may think! There are actually a few common causes for temperatures to fluctuate between rooms, despite the home being set to a single temperature.

Temperature fluctuation is very common in homes. It doesn’t take an expert to know that temperature balance is very important, not only for your wallet but for the safety and longevity of your home. In the winter, heat travels naturally from the inside of your home outwards. In the summer, the opposite, as hot air begins to travel indoors. This not only makes it quite uncomfortable for the homeowner but also will cause an increase in your heating and cooling costs. On hot days, do you find yourself seeking shelter in one specific spot in your home? Or is your home one where your first floor feels great, but your floors themselves are freezing? Or is your attic boiling hot making you avoid it altogether? If your home lacks proper insulation and sealing, these issues might be all too common.

Warmer Rooms: The Culprit

Rooms that are commonly warmer than others may be due to your attic failing to have sufficient insulation. Are your wood joists visible? Is your attic lacking any protection whatsoever? If this is the case, it is very possible that this is the source of your issue. Bonus rooms above garages also often experience this issue, as well. Heat enters through the attic and roof, as well as radiates through the walls, causing the room to become hotter than others in your home. Properly insulating the room will protect the walls from excess heat and moisture from entering, lowering the temperature of the entire room. These fixes will ensure that your rooms will not be so hot and minimize the issues with problematic attics. Insulating your attic or extra rooms above garages with r30 insulation or r38 insulation will ensure that you will not need to run your A/C excessively and naturally lower the room temperature to a normal level. Spray foam insulation is also available for bonus rooms, providing maximum seal from humidity and outside air. For certain homes, a thicker type of insulation is required. We also offer r40 and r50 insulation, should you require it. Our specialists will be able to determine the necessary tools and present them to you.

Colder Rooms: The Cause

Rooms that are colder by nature could be due to insufficient insulation under the crawl space or floors. Insulation is supposed to serve as a barrier between the floor joists and the floor itself. Failure to have these installed can lead not only to buckling floors and other humidity issues but also colder temperatures in the rooms directly above.

The Solution

What is the fix then? It’s simple! New insulation is recommended to be installed in your home to maximize efficiency and protect your home from the outside temperatures and air. The two most forgotten areas in your home to seal are the attic and crawl space. However, these two have such an effect on your home’s well-being. They are crucial to the efficiency and overall health of your home. Once sealed and insulated, air is prevented from entering your home, finally creating the desired even temperatures you have been hoping for. With these fixes, temperature control is possible! We love to use either r30 insulation or r38 insulation, depending on the thickness that our specialists determine would be best for your room. We also offer spray foam insulation, as well as insulation blowing. There are numerous options available depending on your home and your needs. Our specialists are experts at their craft and will be able to discuss with you the ideal option for your home.

In addition to replacing old insulation or installing brand-new insulation between the wood joists, we would also seal any areas in the room where the air is leaking inside your home. This sealing is essential to create a tight, sealed-off space and can save up to 20% on your energy bill once properly secured. Between insulation and air sealing, your home will be able to fight back and resist the outside varying temperatures from influencing the temperature inside.

Additional Protections

In conjunction with insulation and air sealing, there are other areas that you can adjust to lower your energy bills even further, making your indoor spaces more comfortable and livable, and maximizing the potential for your greatest asset – your home! Be sure to discuss with our specialists any thoughts or additions you might want to add. They will be able to create a custom plan for your home.

A/C Tune-Ups -- This is such an important activity that often is overlooked. Our specialists are trained in checking and cleaning up A/C systems. They will ensure that you’re A/C system is up and running as efficiently and effectively as it should be.
Filter Replacement – Have you changed out your filters recently? Changing out and replacing your filters on a regular schedule is a habit that is very important to start. Clean and new filters will allow your A/C system to continue running at maximum efficiency and prevent unnecessary overworking in an attempt to cool your home. Help your system to help you!
Updated Cooling and Heating System – It is never a bad idea to ensure that your heating and cooling systems are up to date. Upgrades offer greater efficiency and energy-conscious solutions that will also reduce your monthly bills. Rebates are also available from local power companies with qualifying equipment! Ask your specialist for more information, should you desire it!
Attic dehumidifier – To ensure maximum efficiency after installing insulation and sealing up openings, a dehumidifier is another recommended option. Set to activate when your attic’s moisture level reaches a certain humidity percentage, an attic dehumidifier can be an excellent solution to control excess humidity in your attic. It will offer continuous drainage without excessive noise pollution, helping to reduce your average electric bill and ensuring that certain rooms are not so hot.

Let’s Get Started!

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the never-ending list of seemingly unfixable issues in your home. Know there are affordable, cost-effective solutions that can ensure the safety and longevity of your home. If your home requires replacing insulation or even installing new insulation, we have customizable options that we can offer to best fit your home and desires. If your home needs air sealing, we’re here for you! If your home has an average electric bill that seems way too high for the size of your home, call us! We can offer custom options that fit your budget and long-term plans for your home. From spray foam insulation to attic dehumidifiers to blown-in insulation to attic encapsulations, we can do it all! We would love to help you! Give us a call today to see what we can do.

Should I Replace My Attic Insulation After a Rodent Infestation?

Has your home fallen prey to rodents? Have your attic space and other walls suffered at their expense? Is your insulation now falling, ripped, or covered in droppings? If any of these situations sound familiar, we’d highly recommend calling for some help. But rest assured, we’re here to make things right! An infestation of rodents can cause severe damage to your home and the effectiveness of the attic insulation you installed. It is most often best for an insulation removal service to take place, to ensure that all of the torn, damaged, or soiled insulation has been taken out and brand-new insulation has been installed. Insulation serves as a barrier against heat and cold. If not properly installed and working, the efficiency of your home will drop substantially. Not only is energy efficiency at risk if insulation removal doesn’t take place, but unfortunately, it might also pose a health risk, as these creatures have left remains that can make you and your family sick. Our team of experts is here to help and ensure that your home’s infestation of rodents is merely a memory.

Must I Remove My Insulation After an Infestation of Rodents?

Fair question! After having your home ransacked, the last thing you want to do is spend additional money and time having parts of your home torn out and replaced. But actually, it might just be the thing your home needs most. Insulation is carefully installed to cover attic floors and walls to ensure proper ventilation and protection from the outside elements. After an infestation of rodents, these materials can be disturbed and even torn, ripped, or moved, causing their effectiveness to diminish. Our attic and wall spaces are not often visited, however, they serve as a significant part of your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and structure. It is essential that it is in top condition to minimize your energy bills and secure the longevity of your home. We would highly recommend at the minimum to have an expert come and inspect your attic and any other spaces that fell prey to the infestation of rodents. We would want to ensure that the attic insulation is still in proper working condition and that no insulation removal is necessary.

In addition to an infestation of rodents, there are many other instances for why you might want to consider insulation removal and replacement. We’d recommend you check out your attic and other insulated spaces occasionally to ensure that they are in good condition.

Improved Air Quality

Old, mildew-filled, and torn insulation is not an effective product in your home. However, even more than that, disintegrating insulation can contain many contaminants that could be extremely detrimental to your family’s health and home’s overall air quality. Especially if your home has suffered an infestation of rodents, your insulation could be covered in urine and feces. The insulation would no longer function but also be a home to those fumes for you and your family to breathe in.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Insulation serves as a barrier from the outside world. In the winter it keeps out cold air and in the summer, deflects the hot and humid heat from entering your home. Attic insulation has a lifespan of about 10-20 years depending on the type of insulation installed and the condition of your home. After such time, however, the insulation begins to deteriorate and is no longer functioning. The efficiency of your home begins to diminish as the cold and hot air are no longer blocked and your A/C and heaters are required to work much harder to keep your home at a decent temperature. To ensure this doesn’t occur and your energy bills remain low, we would recommend attic insulation removal and replacement.

Protect Against a Future Infestation of Rodents

Insulation is a wonderful, warm, and cozy place for rodents to nest. After you have had your attic insulation properly removed from an infestation, it is imperative to properly protect against any future infestations. However, you must first have the insulation removed to be able to properly equip your attic space for full functionality and protection again.

Falling, Hanging, or Moldy Attic Insulation

Any time you see falling or hanging attic insulation, know that it is not doing its job. This means your energy bills are higher than they should be. If you have insulation that appears wet or moldy, the same is occurring. It is essential that insulation removal takes place and new, clean, fully functioning insulation is installed. This will allow your attic to resume working at its peak condition and efficiency.

Rodent Infestation Health Risks

While we recognize the inconvenience of not only a rodent infestation but also the need to remove attic insulation and replace it, we cannot emphasize the importance of this for your health. One of the most common reasons for attic insulation removal is an infestation of rodents. Most often these rodents are rats and mice, who bury themselves in your dry attic in soft, warm insulation. While we do not mean to cause alarm, it is important for you to know the risks associated with an infestation of rodents.

The following items in the list can be contracted not only from coming into contact with the feces or urine of infected rodents but also through the air. These infections and diseases can be carried through the dust and enter the air during the removal process. The CDC recommends waiting up to five days before beginning to clean up a rodent infestation. It also recommends using a disinfectant when cleaning to ensure peak protection.

Rat-bite fever
Omsk hemorrhagic fever
Parasites
Leptospirosis
Salmonellosis
Eosinophilic Meningitis
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Tularemia
Murine Typhus
Plague
Lymphocytic Chorio-Meningitis
Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Lassa Fever

There is a significant risk of leaving attic insulation that has been disturbed by rodents. The urine and feces in the attic insulation pose a concern even after the rodents themselves have been removed. It is recommended that professionals like ourselves come out to ensure it is properly cleaned and disinfected. This manner will ensure minimal exposure for you and your family, protecting against these viruses.

Insulation Removal Proceedings

So how does the insulation removal process go? Now that you understand the circumstances in which we’d recommend having insulation removed, let’s discuss the process that we will undergo to do it before replacing it with new attic insulation.

The most important part of the insulation removal process is preparation for the process itself. If done correctly, this will minimize exposure to any viral contaminants and reduce the chance of spreading. When an infestation of rodents occurs, the floors leading up to your attic will be covered in a thick layer of plastic sheeting. Any surrounding furniture will either be moved or removed entirely from the space to ensure protection.

Our team will then get busy removing all of the attic insulation. They will then vacuum the entire attic space to remove any remaining debris. The attic will then be disinfected and decontaminated, returning it back to its original condition and ready for new attic insulation to be installed.

Next Steps

Has your home suffered from the infestation of rodents? As you have learned, it is essential to ensure that your attic insulation is still clean, properly installed, and doing its job correctly. If an infestation of rodents, unfortunately, destroys your current attic installation, it will be necessary to have an insulation removal process to ensure all bacteria and virus-containing attic insulation is properly out of your home. Our specialists are more than happy to come and ensure that your home is properly taken care of. Give us a call today!

U-Value (and R-Value) for Window Replacements

Windows are an integral part of any home's interior and exterior design. They also serve as a thin barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment, making them prone to heat and airflow. This can lead to energy wastage and make the home atmosphere reactive to weather changes. To keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient, it is crucial to consider replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones.

At Good Home Insulation, we offer top-notch window replacement services that will keep you comfortable and save you money all year round. Say goodbye to drafty, outdated windows and hello to energy-efficient, stylish ones.

How Window Insulation is Measured

Energy-efficient windows should block the sun's heat and UV rays during summer while keeping the heat inside during winter.

Two metrics are commonly used in the window industry to measure heat flow and efficiency: U-value and R-value. These metrics are the inverse of each other. The R-value measures heat resistance and material effectiveness, while the U-value calculates the conduction properties of various window materials.

R-value:

The R-value measures the performance of a specific window material, such as insulation, in reducing the transfer of heat. The R-value is essential in educating users about a window's ability to block air flow in and out. It depends on the number of panes, the frame type, and the window size. The more panes and space between them, the higher the R-value. Low-E glass, which has a coated finish that reflects heat while allowing natural light into spaces, can further increase the R-value.

U-value:

On the other hand, the U-value measures the conduction properties of various window materials. It specifies energy efficiency, measures insulating ability, and is an indicator of heat transfer, airflow, and radiated or reflected heat. The U-value is used by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to certify energy-efficient windows and provide information to consumers about their performance.

Property	U-Value	R-Value
Indicates Energy Efficiency	Yes	Yes
Measure of Insulation	Yes	Yes
Based on Specific Material	Yes	Yes
Based on Multiple Factors	Yes	No
Indicates Heat Transfer	Yes	No
Indicates Heat Resistance	Yes	Yes
Measures Airflow	Yes	No
Measures Reflected Heat	Yes	No
Lower Number is Better	Yes	No
Higher Number is Better	Yes	Yes
On NFRC Label	Yes	No

What Are Good R-Values & U-Values?

For replacement windows, it is best to look for high R-values and low U-values, which together indicate that there are neither any major air leaks nor that the windows are effectively insulating your home.

According to energy.gov:

A good R-value range: Greater than R-5.

A good U-value range: 0.20 – 1.20 according to energy.gov.

R-Value

We know that the R-value measures heat resistance, but that implies more than is obvious at first glance. The measure of heat resistance of the glass implies a measure of

Glass energy efficiency

Glass insulating ability

The R-value will depend on:

The number of panes of glass
The type of frame
The size of the window

Here’s a representation of what R-values could look like:

Type of Pane	Winter	Summer
Single Pane	.9	.96
Double Pane with .25” air space	1.72	1.64
Double Pane with .5” air space	2.04	1.78
Triple Pane with .25” air space	2.56	2.27
Triple Pane with .5 air space	3.22	2.56

At Good Home Insulation, we offer windows in four substrates: clad wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each of these has its own R and U-value. To determine the optimal R and U-values for your replacement windows, explore our window offerings and get in touch with any questions you may have. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones is not an expense but an investment in your property, providing upgraded curb appeal and energy efficiency.