Your Energy Bill Is Rising
If your home's energy spending has been steadily increasing over time and you're not sure why, the problem may be your attic's insulation. It's a big part of what keeps energy costs down thanks to trapping air inside to circulate and keep the temperature regulated. However, if it's not working as it should and letting air escape, your heating and air conditioning are running more to make up for it. Hence, your spending increasing over time.
Your Home's Temperature Is Inconsistent
As mentioned above, if your attic's insulation isn't functioning well, air escapes outside rather than circulating and this can lead to cold spots. Certain rooms may not seem affected by air conditioning and heating or take much longer to get to the right temperature. If you've noticed odd fluctuations in various rooms in your home, it might be a good idea to get your insulation checked.
It's Been There A While
Age takes its toll on insulation over time, with the average lifespan of it being around 80 years. This may sound like a long time, but if the same insulation has been in place since your house was built, it could easily be past that expiration date. This means slouching out of place and crumbling, drastically lowering its effectiveness and easily allowing air to leave.
There's Been Water Leakage
Has your attic had any troubles with water damage, such as from a leaky roof? That means the insulation there could easily have absorbed it and begun to grow mold without your knowing. It will not only wreck the material itself but also continue to grow and spread to damage other parts of the attic, as well as spread dangerous spores. Getting it taken care of right away is ideal!
A Pest Infestation
Even if they've already left, if you know pests have visited, particularly rodents, making themselves at home in your attic, the insulation may have been harmed by them tearing it apart to use for nesting. They also leave behind waste that carries harmful diseases that can infect your home if it's not tended to as soon as possible!