Every fall, Western Michigan homeowners start to think about what they can do to prepare for the upcoming cold winter months. Saving money on heating costs and staying comfortable are two of the most important priorities, but which upgrades will actually make the biggest difference in your home?
Upgrading or replacing your insulation is one of the smartest fall home improvement projects you can make before winter: Here are three easy signs any homeowner could notice that signal it’s time for new insulation.
1. Heating Bills Are On the Rise
If you’ve lived in your home for a few years, then you likely have a general idea of what it cost to heat your home last year and in years prior. So be on the lookout this fall for indications that you’re spending more than usual, or that your heating bills have been slowly creeping up year-over-year.
This could be a sign that your insulation is getting old and your heating system is running longer to make up for it, costing you more. Properly insulating your home means that your furnace, boiler, or heat pump won’t have to run as often to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
2. There’s Visible Insulation Damage from Animals or Moisture
The fall season is when animals start finding ways to enter homes to build nests for the winter, and many types of insulation are appealing to squirrels, chipmunks, mice, and other unwanted pests. Insulation that’s been chewed, moved around by animals, or covered in waste, will not only underperform, but it could create indoor air quality and health issues for your family as well.
Similarly, fall brings more rain to Western Michigan, which can ruin some insulation materials if water or moisture gets into a home.
Not all insulation in your home is easily accessible, but if you have access points (like an unfinished attic), check for signs of moisture or animals—both are an indication that you could benefit from insulation replacement.
3. You’re Uncomfortable in Your Home
Fall weather can be great in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids—not too hot, not too cold—but there are definitely days that give you a sneak peek at the freezing weather ahead. If you notice that certain areas of your home don’t get warm enough, or there are indoor drafts, it’s likely that your insulation or air leaks are to blame.
Replacing your wall insulation or upgrading attic insulation so that it’s installed by home performance experts to the correct R-value levels for our climate will help ensure you spend all winter long in your Holland or Grand Haven home in comfort.
Schedule a Home Energy Audit Today with WMGB
If you have noticed any of the above issues in your home, the next step is to schedule a home energy audit. A professional auditor will inspect and run tests in your home to determine which of the following home performance solutions will make the biggest difference in comfort, energy savings, and indoor health:
The experts at WMGB Home Improvement have conducted a combined 6,000+ energy audits throughout Michigan—let our local team of home performance professionals help improve your house.
