SIGNS YOUR HOME INSULATION NEEDS REPLACING

Every homeowner knows that quality insulation is one element that you can't afford to do without. Insulation helps to regulate the air flow inside your home and keep each room at a consistent temperature.

Sometimes, your home's insulation needs to be replaced to maintain proper function. There really is no definite period of time or set of rules to go by, but watching for certain signs will help point you in the right direction.

Higher Heating Bills

Most homeowners are sensitive to their heating bills, and are always on the lookout for ways to shave a few dollars off here or there.

If you notice your heating bills climbing each month, your insulation may be the culprit. Of course, there are other reasons your bills would rise, so have a thorough energy audit done before you start replacing all your insulation.

Fluctuating Temperatures

Insulation that is properly installed and working effectively will help to keep the temperatures consistent throughout the house. Fluctuating temperatures can make for an uncomfortable existence, especially if it is really hot or cold outside.

If you're having trouble keeping the temperature consistent on all levels of the house, have the insulation checked to see if it's time to have it replaced.

Drafts Inside the House

Feeling a draft in the house when there aren't any windows or doors open is kind of unsettling. You go indoors to escape a draft, so feeling them inside is hardly the ideal situation.

Drafts inside the house on any level may indicate the need to replace your insulation.

Signs of Aging

If your insulation has been there for a number of years and is showing signs of aging, it's probably a good time to replace it. Even if you aren't experiencing any of the other problems yet, you certainly will in the near future.

Wearing a glove, touch the insulation in different parts of the house. If it feels stiff and sort of crumbles in your hand, it's a good time to replace it.

Basement Flooding

Anytime there is a heavy rainfall or rapid snow melting and your basement floods, it's a good bet that the insulation got wet, too. And if you just leave that insulation as it is, you may run into a mold problem in the near future.

Mold that forms on your basement insulation can end up spreading through the air into other parts of the home, causing respiratory issues and other health problems.

Infestation

Wildlife and insects often like to take up residence in your insulation, and if you have had a problem you should replace the insulation as part of the solution.

Just because the animals or insects are gone doesn't mean the insulation wasn't affected or insect eggs weren't left behind.

Installation

When it comes time to replace your insulation, you can leave it solely to the pros or rent insulation blowing machines and do it yourself. Naturally, you'll save money by doing it yourself but make sure you follow the instructions closely when renting insulation blowing machines.

You want to be certain that you install the insulation safely and that it's installed effectively. Insulation blowing machines are an ideal way to insulate your home, but only if you do it correctly.

Referenceshttp://www.cincienergysolutions.com/213534/2011/08/26/how-often-should-you-replace-your-homes-insulation.htmlCincinnati Energy Solutions

http://www.homedepot.ca/installation-services/insulation-installationHome Depot

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/knowing-when-to-replace-your-basement-wall-insulation#bDoItYourself.com