Is Your Insulation Ghosting You?
It’s August in Maryland, and the heat is too hot to handle. Your AC is running around the clock, but your home still feels like an oven. Upstairs is unbearable, and no amount of thermostat tinkering seems to help. So what gives? If your cooling system is working overtime with little relief, outdated insulation might be to blame. It’s possible your insulation is ghosting you—quietly disappearing from the job when you need it most. “Ghosting insulation” refers to old, compressed, or poorly installed insulation that no longer protects your home from extreme temperatures. Could this be the reason your summer comfort is MIA?
Why Insulation Matters More in August
August brings some of the most intense heat Maryland sees all year—and your insulation is under peak stress. Its job is simple but critical: keep the sweltering outdoor air from creeping in, and trap the cool, conditioned air inside where it belongs. But when insulation is failing or inadequate, your AC has to fight a losing battle. The result? Higher energy bills, constant cycling, and rooms that still feel sticky and uncomfortable no matter how low you set the thermostat.
Outdated Insulation
If your home was built before 2000, there’s a good chance your attic insulation doesn’t meet the recommended R-49 standard for Maryland. Over time, insulation settles, degrades, or gets compromised—offering little to no resistance to heat. That means your home is soaking up summer temperatures like a sponge. And while a DIY patch job might seem like a quick fix, improperly installed or mismatched insulation can actually make the problem worse, trapping heat in all the wrong places and leaving you feeling, well… too hot to handle.
Signs Your Insulation Has Ghosted You
How do you know your insulation has checked out without saying goodbye? Look for the clues: rooms—especially upstairs—that never seem to cool down, even with the AC cranked. If your system is running nonstop but barely making a dent, or if your energy bills are rising without any change in usage, insulation could be the invisible culprit. Hot or drafty spots in certain areas of the home, and even a peek into your attic revealing compressed, patchy, or discolored insulation, are all red flags that your insulation has officially ghosted you.
What You Can Do About It
If you suspect your insulation is MIA, don’t sweat it—literally. Start by scheduling a home energy audit to pinpoint where your insulation is falling short. A professional audit can reveal hidden gaps, degraded materials, and air leaks you didn’t even know existed. Upgrading to modern, high-performance options like blown-in cellulose or spray foam can make a huge difference. But remember: insulation doesn’t work alone. Seal air leaks before adding new material, and make sure your attic has proper ventilation—because even the best insulation struggles without good airflow.
Conclusion
The real villain during Maryland’s August heat isn’t just the temperature—it’s insulation that’s ghosted you when you need it most. If your home feels too hot to handle even with the AC blasting, it’s time to take action. Don’t suffer through another summer of discomfort, high bills, and overworked cooling systems. Book a Home Energy Audit with Home Energy Hero today and uncover the hidden issues in your attic before they leave you sweating, contact us.