What’s fluffy, pink, white or yellow and hides in your attic, unnoticed? Why, it’s your insulation of course! You may be wondering, “Who cares?” but the thing is, the insulation in your attic is a large part of what keeps you comfortable all year long. So the answer is, “You”. Many homeowners don’t realize that insulation is not just important for keeping heat in, but it’s just as important for keeping it out! Here are three important facts about insulation that Fairfax homeowners should know that could save them money and improve the comfort and safety of their home. Here are 3 realities of attic insulation!

1. The “One Size Fits All” Myth!

When installing insulation, it’s important to take into consideration that not all insulation is the same. It’s meant for different areas of your home, and there is different insulation for your attic as there would be for your basement. Typically, the best type of attic insulation is foam spray. The reason that most people don’t use it is that it can be expensive. So if you’re short on cash, try something a little more realistic, like spraying the foam at the lid of the house and adding either fiberglass or cellulose filling for the rest. Invest in foam spray for crawl spaces where the air is more humid. It’s best to do your research and have a trusted technician come out and inspect your house to determine where your current insulation is falling short and what types of filling need to be added.

2. Adding Insulation Yourself Can Cause Problems!

Installing insulation is a job that should be left to the professionals. There’s a proper way to work with this stuff, and often times there is a reason for its placement. For instance, it’s common for builders to throw you a curve ball and run water pipes through the attic. They leave the attic floor bare under the pipes so that warm air from the house can seep up through the ceiling and keep them warm. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize this and insulate the space under the pipes, which can lead to the pipes freezing and, finally, to water damage when they burst. This is just one example of a situation that could end badly when taking matters into your own hands. Since builders often take shortcuts, it’s almost always better to call in the pros to handle your installation because they know what they’re looking for! If you see anything unusual, such as discolored insulation, be sure to have someone take a look at it right away, as it is most likely a problem area.

3. Sometimes It’s Worth the Cost

Let’s be realistic. No one wants to spend money, at least not on something like insulation for their attic. Still, thinking long-term may change your tune a bit, because the money that you spend on wasted energy resources may even out the cost of replacing or adding to your insulation. Here at F.H. Furr, we use thermal imaging technology to discover where you’re losing heat or air conditioning in your home, and oftentimes, it’s straight through the roof! To protect your home from the loss of air through your attic, it’s smart to spend a bit more for better quality insulation and save in the long run on energy that seeps through the cracks and crevices. Adding the proper insulation will cut costs and keep your home at the perfect temperature year-round.

At F.H. Furr, we come to your home and perform an energy audit to discover where you’re losing heat or air conditioning through insulation. From there, we can help you figure out your best option to eliminate the problem in your Fairfax home! Give us a call today, we’ll answer your questions and help you gain a more cost-effective and comfortable home!