When was the last time you gave your home’s insulation a second thought? If you’re like most Kansas City homeowners, it probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list until that first blazing hot day hits or you read in the news that energy costs could soon rise as much as 30%.
The middle of the year is an ideal moment to step back and ask: Is my insulation still doing its job? With summer in full swing and winter never too far away, now’s the time to get ahead of the seasons and make sure your home is comfortable, efficient and ready for anything.
Below, you’ll find a simple home insulation check-up you can do yourself, signs that your insulation is letting heat in, cold out or vice versa, and when it’s smart to call in Kansas City insulation pros for an expert evaluation.
Why a Mid-Year Insulation Check Matters
Kansas City’s weather extremes can be hard on your home. In summer, attic temperatures can skyrocket to over 120°F, increasing the temperature of your living spaces below. Come winter, the cold weather seeps through every crack and crevice.
Good insulation is your home’s protection. It slows heat transfer, keeps your air conditioner and furnace from working overtime, and helps regulate indoor humidity.
But even the best insulation can degrade over time. Settling, moisture or critters can create gaps that let air-conditioned air escape. A quick mid-year check can help you catch small problems before they become big ones.
How to Perform a Basic Home Insulation Inspection
You don’t need fancy tools to get started. Here are a few simple steps to check your insulation’s condition:
- Inspect Your Attic
- Look across the attic floor. Are the insulation levels even, or are some spots lower than others?
- In Kansas City, most attics should have insulation reaching around 18–20 inches deep (R-49) to meet Department of Energy guidelines.
- Check for dampness, mold or signs of pests.
- Feel Along the Walls
- On a hot (or cold day if you’re doing this in winter), run your hand along exterior walls and outlets.
- Notice any drafts or cool spots? These can signal missing or insufficient insulation.
- Peek into Crawl Spaces and Basements
- These tucked-away areas often go unnoticed, but they’re major sources of energy loss.
- Look for insulation that’s sagging, damp or disturbed.
- Review Your Energy Bills
- Compare your current bills to the same time last year.
- A sudden increase without obvious reasons, like more people at home, might point to insulation issues.
If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, snap a few photos. A home insulation specialist can review them with you. Our team is happy to come to your home and perform an evaluation for you.
Signs That Energy is Escaping
Even if everything looks okay, you might notice symptoms of hidden leaks:
- Hot or cold rooms that never seem comfortable
- Drafts around windows and doors
- High indoor humidity or condensation on windows
- Ice dams on your roof in winter (a telltale sign that heat is escaping through the attic)
If these issues sound familiar, it’s time to consider a professional insulation evaluation.
Why Call a Professional?
A do-it-yourself inspection is a great start but only goes so far. Insulation companies like A+ Insulation with certified experts use specialized equipment like thermal cameras to find hidden gaps you’d never see on your own.
Here are a few times when bringing in the pros makes sense:
- Your home is more than 10–15 years old, and insulation standards have improved since it was built
- You’ve done remodeling or roofing work that could have disturbed existing insulation
- You’re tired of paying high energy bills and want to see exactly where you’re losing efficiency
A+ Insulation offers free home energy evaluations and detailed recommendations tailored to your house.
Kansas City Insulation Services and Options
Whether you need a small top-off or a whole-home upgrade, there are several excellent solutions.
Spray Foam Insulation
Ideal for sealing air leaks and adding high R-value in attics, walls or crawl spaces.
Blow-In Blanket System (BIBS)
Fiberglass insulation blown into walls, creating a dense, consistent layer.
Cellulose Insulation
Made from recycled materials, it’s effective for filling irregular spaces and reducing noise.
Batt Insulation
Traditional rolls of fiberglass, still a cost-effective choice for many attics and walls.
Next Steps
If you suspect your insulation isn’t performing as well as it should, don’t wait for extreme weather to prove you right.
Reach out to a qualified Kansas City insulation professional for an expert evaluation and home insulation options that fit your budget and goals. Request an appointment.
You’ll enjoy better comfort, lower bills and peace of mind knowing your home is ready for the seasons ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I check my insulation?
A: Once a year is a good rule of thumb. The middle of the year is an ideal checkpoint before the most extreme weather hits.
Q: Can I add new insulation over old insulation?
A: In many cases, yes. If your existing insulation is dry, free of mold, and in decent condition, adding more insulation on top can boost your R-value without a complete removal.
Q: What is R-value, and why does it matter?
A: R-value measures resistance to heat flow. The higher the number, the better the insulation. For Kansas City attics, an R-value of R-49 is typically recommended.
Q: How much can better insulation save on energy costs?
A: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 30%, depending on your home’s age and condition.
Q: Is professional home insulation installation worth it?
A: Absolutely. Thousands of other Kansas City homeowners think so, too. Proper installation ensures the insulation performs as intended. Professionals also have tools to detect air leaks you can’t see.