When summer temperatures rise in Allentown, Bethlehem, and across the Lehigh Valley, your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home comfortable. But if your home is under-insulated, you could be paying far more than necessary to stay cool.
Chances are, your home is one of the millions in the United States that is not insulated as well as it should be. Poor insulation allows cool air to escape and hot air to enter, driving up energy bills month after month. Here are the most common insulation mistakes that could be costing you money this summer.
1. Not Insulating the Attic to the Proper R-Value
Your attic plays a critical role in the flow pattern of heat through your home. Because heat rises, attics need to be insulated to the highest R-value possible.
We recommend insulating attics to meet the standard state energy code of R-38 or greater. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation power.
Anything less than this can mean wasted money going right through the roof. If your attic insulation is outdated or insufficient, your cooling system will have to work much harder to compensate.
Blown-in fiberglass insulation is an excellent solution because it covers every nook and cranny in the attic space, including hard-to-reach areas. It can even be installed directly over existing insulation to improve performance.
2. Ignoring the Attic Stair Access
Many homeowners overlook one of the largest gaps in home insulation: the attic stairway access panel.
An uninsulated attic door increases heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Installing an attic stair insulator, like a Draft Cap, helps seal that opening and reduce energy loss. Lightweight and easy to install, it satisfies current energy building codes and provides added protection against temperature extremes.
3. Poor Ventilation in the Attic
Even a well-insulated attic must be properly ventilated. Without adequate airflow, moisture can accumulate and reduce insulation effectiveness.
Proper ventilation promotes air movement and helps maintain a balanced attic environment, preventing long-term issues that impact performance and comfort.
4. Overlooking Basement and Garage Ceilings
Many homeowners assume insulating basement or garage ceilings is unnecessary. While warm air rises, it can still escape in any direction through an uninsulated barrier.
Basement rim band and joist areas are common trouble spots for energy loss. Insulating these areas dramatically improves comfort and reduces heating and cooling costs year-round.
5. Failing to Insulate Exterior Sidewalls
As fuel and electricity costs continue to rise, exterior wall insulation becomes even more important. Poorly insulated sidewalls allow heat to penetrate during the summer and escape during the winter.
Blown-in fiberglass can be installed into the sidewalls of existing homes with minimal disruption to the structure. Each application is customized to your specific needs, helping maintain a uniform temperature throughout your home.
6. Choosing Speed Over Quality
Not all insulation services are equal. Some installers are paid by speed rather than accuracy, which can result in incomplete coverage and inconsistent performance.
At Lehigh Valley Insulation, our employees are paid hourly instead of by piece work. This ensures experienced, detail-oriented installers who focus on quality over quantity. We use the best materials available, install to the highest standards, and provide fair and reasonable pricing.
Stop Wasting Energy from Insulation Mistakes This Summer
If your home feels hot and uncomfortable or your energy bills are climbing, insulation mistakes may be the root cause. Proper attic, wall, basement, and stairway insulation can substantially reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
Whether you’re building new or upgrading an older home, Lehigh Valley Insulation has the experience and expertise to fix insulation mistakes the first time.
Take a look at our rebates and promotions page to learn more, and contact us today to schedule a home review. A better insulated home starts here.
