Have you ever walked past an exterior wall of your house only to feel the winter wind coming through the insulation? Homes insulated 30 years ago have lost a substantial portion of their R-value over three decades. If your exterior walls feel cold to the touch in the winter or neglect to block the wind, a good way to lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable is installing retrofit insulation. In fact, re-insulation can make your home a lot more energy-efficient and help you save money!

When it comes to installation methods, insulation retrofitting can differ from new home construction insulation, but the material choices are generally the same:

• Fiberglass
• Cellulose
• Spray foam
• Radiant barrier

Of these choices, non-expanding spray foam offers the least intrusive installation process paired with the most longevity and best energy savings.

Do You Need to Re-Insulate?
First things first—how can you even tell when it’s time? You may need retrofit insulation if:

• Your energy bills have been increasing
• It’s drafty and uncomfortable in your house
• Temperatures from room to room aren’t even
• The AC is running more than normal in the summer

While there are other signs of a poorly insulated home, these are the most common ones experienced by homeowners. Of course, you can always talk to a professional insulation company. And scheduling an energy audit, like a blower door test here, can help you determine your needs.