If your house is hard to keep cool in the summer or warm in the winter, despite your HVAC working overtime, your insulation might be the problem.
Most homeowners never think twice about insulation. Out of sight, out of mind, right? But just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not impacting your comfort and your energy bill.
At Environment Masters, we’ve crawled through more attics than we can count, and we’ve seen how often poor insulation causes problems that get blamed on the AC. Spoiler alert: it’s not always the unit’s fault. Sometimes, it’s the fluffy stuff above your head.
Let’s talk about how to figure out if your insulation is up to par, and what to do if it’s not.
Why Insulation Is a Big Deal
Insulation is the unsung hero of your home’s energy efficiency.
When insulation is doing its job, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. But when it’s thin, uneven, or has gone flat like a forgotten soda, your AC has to work twice as hard to keep you comfortable. That leads to higher energy bills and more repairs down the line.
Here’s what proper insulation does:
- Keep your rooms consistently comfortable year-round
- Lowers your utility bills
- Reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system
- Keeps your upstairs from feeling like a sauna while your downstairs is a meat locker
How Much Insulation Should You Have?
Insulation is measured in R-values. The higher the number, the better it resists heat flow. Think of it as SPF for your house. Mississippi is in Zone 2, which means we need a decent level of protection up top.
R-30: The Bare Minimum
This is the equivalent of about 13 inches of fiberglass or blown-in insulation. It’ll get the job done, but barely.
R-38: The Gold Standard (and ENERGY STAR Recommended)
This is roughly 16 inches of insulation. If you’re aiming for maximum comfort, efficiency, and savings, this is where you want to be.
Bottom line: If your attic insulation is more “pancake” than “pillow,” it’s time for a boost.
How to Check Your Attic Insulation
If you’re a do-it-yourself type or just curious, you can do a quick attic check in under ten minutes. Here’s how to do it safely:
You’ll Need:
- A flashlight (your phone will work, but a headlamp = hands-free hero)
- A tape measure or ruler
- Optional: gloves, a dust mask, long sleeves, and a little courage
Steps:
- Choose a cooler part of the day.
- Carefully climb into the attic. Only step on joists, never the insulation or the ceiling drywall, unless you like surprise living room skylights.
- Shine your light across the attic. Is the insulation fluffy and even, or thin and patchy?
- Stick your tape measure straight down to the attic floor and see how deep the insulation is in multiple places.
- Match up your measurement:
- 13 inches = R-30 (bare minimum)
- 16 inches = R-38 (ideal)
If you can see the attic floor joists poking through, your insulation probably needs some help.
Other Signs Your Insulation Might Not Be Sufficient
Maybe you’re not keen on climbing into the attic. That’s fair. Here are some everyday signs your insulation is underperforming:
- Your HVAC runs all day like it’s trying to win a marathon
- Your upstairs and downstairs feel like two different climates
- Drafts where there shouldn’t be any
- Weirdly high utility bills
- Seasonal thermostat battles
If this sounds like your house, don’t blame your HVAC just yet; it might be time to check the attic.
How Insulation Saves You Real Money
Good insulation keeps the treated air inside your home, which means your HVAC system gets to relax a bit, and so does your wallet.
According to the Department of Energy, boosting your attic insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent. Not too shabby for something you never see.
Even better, if you’re upgrading insulation alongside your HVAC system, you may be eligible for:
● Federal tax credits
- Rebates through Entergy
- And of course, lower monthly energy bills that add up over time
Ready to Find Out if Your Insulation is Costing You?
If your insulation is looking thin, tired, or more like Swiss cheese than a solid layer, it’s time for a refresh. You deserve a home that’s comfortable year-round and an energy bill that’s not unnecessarily high.
At Environment Masters, we’ve been helping Central Mississippi homeowners stay cool, cozy, and confident for over 60 years. Whether you need a professional attic check or want to add insulation the easy way, our team is here to make it simple.
We give you options. We explain what makes the most sense for your home and budget. And we take care of the rest hassle-free, start to finish.
Call us today at 601-000-0000 to schedule a quick attic check or energy assessment. Let’s find out what your insulation is really up to.
