Life expectancy of blown-in insulation

When Should You Replace Your Home’s Insulation? Homeowners frequently ask about replacing insulation, especially if they have older homes. If you have outdated blown-in insulation, it’s likely time for an upgrade. Old blown-in insulation can leave your home vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and energy loss. Upgrading it ensures your HVAC system runs efficiently, keeps energy bills low, and enhances year-round comfort. If you’re already considering an upgrade, it’s probably time to make the change.

Several signs point to when a replacement is needed, and this guide will walk you through them. Although we often refer to “attic insulation upgrades,” the advice here applies to all areas of your home needing insulation—not just the attic. Proper blown-in insulation can significantly boost your heating and air conditioning efficiency, keeping your home more comfortable year-round.

Lifespan of an insulation

What is the typical lifespan of insulation?

If your insulation was installed over a decade ago, it might be time for an upgrade, depending on the materials used. Unfortunately, this is often the case for many homes. Blown-in insulation can deteriorate over time, losing its efficiency. Over the last 10 years, advancements in energy efficiency have led to updated guidelines from the Department of Energy. Without these modern improvements, your home’s heating system and air conditioning could be consuming more energy than necessary, resulting in higher utility bills.

Additionally, changing weather patterns have caused more extreme temperature fluctuations in both winter and summer. These unpredictable temperatures force your HVAC system to work harder, especially in homes that weren’t built to handle such extremes. If your home was built prior to energy efficiency regulations, it might not be equipped to manage these challenges, leading to strain on your HVAC system.

It’s worth mentioning that most homes in the U.S. were constructed before efficiency standards were widely enforced. Just 10 years ago, insulation wasn’t given the attention it receives today. Upgrading to modern blown-in insulation installation can significantly improve the performance of your heating and air conditioning systems, ensuring they operate more effectively while reducing energy waste.

In the end, the duration insulation remains effective depends on several factors, such as:

  • The type of insulation material in your home plays a crucial role in its efficiency, with most homes using a combination of materials. Blown-in insulation, for instance, can offer excellent coverage and adaptability. The effectiveness of your insulation also depends on how properly it was installed. If the installation wasn’t thorough, gaps and air leaks can reduce its overall performance.
  • Air sealing is another key factor that ensures your insulation works at its best. Without proper sealing, air can escape, making your heating and air conditioning systems work harder. Where your insulation is placed in your home also impacts its performance. Insulation in key areas like the attic and walls helps maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your house.
  • Exposure to outdoor elements, such as moisture or ice dams, can also cause insulation damage. Moisture can lead to mold growth, which compromises the insulation’s efficiency. Additionally, if pests like mice, squirrels, or raccoons have gotten into your insulation, they can cause significant damage. Their presence can lead to gaps, contamination, and even reduced insulating capabilities, affecting your HVAC and air conditioning systems.

Although it may seem obvious, it’s important to highlight that the type of insulation material and the quality of its installation are the most significant factors in determining its longevity. Properly installed blown-in insulation can offer lasting benefits, while poor installation may lead to premature degradation. The materials used also play a crucial role in how effectively your home retains heat and remains energy-efficient over time. With high-quality insulation and expert installation, you can expect to maintain optimal HVAC and air conditioning performance for years to come.

Here’s a brief list of the expected lifespan for common types of insulation:

Before making any installation decisions, it’s essential to understand that the following estimates are based on the manufacturer’s projected lifespan of the insulation material itself. These estimates may be slightly optimistic. At URBN HVAC, our team of building science experts is cautious about assuming that any insulation material will maintain reliable efficiency for 100 years in typical use-case scenarios.

Regardless of the material used—yes, even spray foam—insulation performance naturally declines over time. No material is immune to this deterioration. However, the guidelines below can provide insight into how different insulation materials compare in terms of longevity and efficiency, helping you make an informed choice for your home’s HVAC system and overall energy performance.

Fiberglass: Typically lasts around 15 years, but can endure for 20-30 years in some cases.

Many insulation companies advertise longer lifespans for their materials than what we’ve outlined here, but based on our experience, moisture and pests often trigger the degradation process long before time does. Exposure to moisture can lead to mold growth, and pests like rodents can damage the insulation, reducing its effectiveness. This is particularly important when considering the performance of insulation in areas like attics, where HVAC and air conditioning systems depend on proper sealing and insulation. Even the best materials can fall short if they are compromised by external factors.

Cellulose: Can last between 20 to 30 years when conditions are ideal.

Cellulose insulation can begin to degrade around year 15 if it’s not properly installed with air sealing. At URBN HVAC, we’re strong advocates for cellulose due to its low carbon footprint, versatility, and long lifespan—when installed and maintained correctly. Proper installation ensures that cellulose remains effective in enhancing your HVAC and air conditioning efficiency. Plus, an added benefit is that pests tend to avoid cellulose, helping maintain the integrity of your insulation over time.

Rock wool (or mineral wool insulation): Has a lifespan of 30 to 100 years when properly installed.

The lifespan of mineral wool insulation can vary, with different factors influencing its longevity, such as where and how it’s installed in your home. Proper installation plays a key role in maintaining its effectiveness, especially in critical areas like attics and walls, where it supports HVAC and air conditioning efficiency. When installed correctly, mineral wool offers excellent fire resistance and soundproofing benefits, making it a reliable choice for many homeowners. However, poor installation or exposure to moisture can shorten its lifespan.

Rigid foam board: Can last as long as 100 years.

Think of foam coffee cups from the past—they don’t biodegrade, but they break easily. Foam board insulation is more durable than those cups, but it can still become less effective over time if damaged or exposed to harsh elements. While foam board offers great insulation properties, physical damage or prolonged exposure to moisture can compromise its ability to maintain energy efficiency. This can directly impact your HVAC and air conditioning systems, as they may have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Proper care and installation are key to ensuring foam board insulation lasts effectively.

Havelock wool insulation: Can last up to 100 years.

Havelock insulation, made from treated sheep’s wool, is a favorite among environmentalists for its sustainability. When installed correctly, it does an exceptional job of keeping your home comfortable by regulating temperature and improving energy efficiency. This eco-friendly option not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also offers excellent thermal performance, making it a great choice for enhancing your HVAC and air conditioning system’s efficiency. Additionally, its natural fibers provide a breathable barrier, helping to maintain a balanced indoor environment.

Spray foam: Can last between 80 to 100 years with proper installation.

While some homeowners have heard that spray foam can lead to moisture issues and costly repairs, we’ve found that when properly installed by an expert insulation professional, it can last the lifetime of your home. Proper installation ensures that spray foam keeps your HVAC and air conditioning systems running efficiently without compromising your home’s structure. Even if your insulation still meets manufacturer’s guidelines, it’s essential to have a professional assess its performance if you have concerns.

Energy-efficiency experts agree: insulation can lose its effectiveness over time, even if it’s technically still in good condition. The most reliable way to determine whether it’s time for an insulation replacement is by scheduling a professional energy audit. This audit will pinpoint inefficiencies in your insulation and help ensure that your heating and air conditioning systems are operating optimally. If you notice any of the signs below, it could be time to call an expert for an energy audit.

A person removing an old insulation

7 Warning Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Insulation

Here’s a quick list of signs that indicate it might be time for an insulation upgrade (we’ll dive deeper into each one below. Each of these signs could suggest that your current insulation is no longer performing at its best, impacting your HVAC and air conditioning systems’ efficiency. Let’s explore each in detail.

Your Upper Floors are Freezing in the Winter and Unbearably Hot in the Summer.

Think of your home’s insulation as a winter coat, with attic insulation serving as the coat’s hood or winter hat. If the hat wears out, you’ll notice it at the top of the house—likely in the form of colder bedrooms upstairs, chilly closets, or freezing floors during the winter. These cold spots are a clear sign that your attic insulation isn’t doing its job.

If you’re also dealing with a drafty home, it’s crucial to address air leaks throughout your entire house before adding or upgrading your insulation, especially in the attic. According to the EIA, heating and cooling make up 51% of your home’s energy consumption. Proper insulation and air sealing can significantly reduce this energy waste, saving you money on HVAC costs.

In the summer, the lack of a well-insulated “coat” becomes noticeable, too. Attics can reach temperatures as high as 150°F in the summer, and poor insulation will allow that intense heat to radiate directly into your living spaces. With effective air sealing and insulation, your air conditioning will remain inside the house where it belongs, and the intake of hot summer air will be significantly reduced, keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Your House was Constructed Prior to 2005.

If your home was constructed before 2005, energy efficiency was likely not a priority during the building process. This means you could have entire areas without insulation, and you might not even realize it.

Homes built more than 20 years ago likely have insulation that has already lost its effectiveness. To determine if you need an upgrade, scheduling an energy audit with a professional is a great way to assess your home’s insulation and overall efficiency.

Even homes built after 2005 may not be fully up to modern energy efficiency standards. In our experience, many states have struggled to enforce newer building codes, and builders sometimes rush through projects to meet tight deadlines. As a result, some insulation and air sealing work may be improperly installed or skipped entirely, leaving homeowners to deal with the consequences later.

Additionally, changing the way homes have been built for decades is a complex process. A nationwide shift requires contractors to be educated on the critical importance of proper insulation and air sealing. Keep in mind, insulation loses its effectiveness over time, so regular maintenance and upgrades are essential to ensuring your home remains energy-efficient.

Your Energy Costs Continue to Rise.

If your energy consumption has increased, but your household size remains the same and the weather hasn’t been unusually hot or cold, it could indicate that your insulation is wearing out. Over time, fiberglass insulation deteriorates, creating gaps where air can escape.

This means your heating or cooling system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. Replacing aging insulation is an effective way to keep conditioned air inside and reduce your energy bills.

By upgrading to high-performance insulation, professional air sealing, and heat pump HVAC systems with URBN HVAC, you could reduce your energy usage by up to 50%. This not only improves your home’s energy efficiency but also ensures that your HVAC systems operate at their best.

The Insulation Appears Worn Out and Unsightly.

Worn-out insulation will show clear signs of damage, such as holes, tears, discoloration, settling, or shrinkage. Some types of insulation age better than others, but all insulation can degrade over time, especially in exposed areas like the attic. Attic insulation is particularly vulnerable to elements like dust, mice, roaches, raccoons, dirt, wind, extreme heat, cold, and yes, even squirrels.

As insulation ages, it often loses its original color—yellow or pink hues may turn gray and dusty, indicating a decline in its performance. Head up to your attic and take a close look. If it’s not in great shape, it may be time to replace it to restore your home’s energy efficiency.

You’re Dealing with Unwanted Pests.

Finding pink insulation outside your home is a red flag. This usually means that critters are making their way in and out of your walls and attic. Other signs of an infestation include animal droppings, hearing scurrying noises, or things rustling in the night.

Unfortunately, many pests, including mice, squirrels, and even raccoons, love to snack on old insulation. This can lead to significant damage, reducing your insulation’s effectiveness and leaving your home vulnerable to energy loss. It’s important to address both the pest issue and replace any compromised insulation as soon as possible.

There’s No Visible Sign of Insulation Material.

Wondering how to quickly check your insulation? Here’s how:

  • To check your exterior walls: Remove an outlet cover and use a flashlight (or the light from your phone) to peek inside. If you don’t see insulation, it’s a strong indication you need some.
  • To check your attic: Open the attic access door and look around to see if the walls and floor are properly insulated, whether it’s a knee attic or the main attic space.
  • To check your basement and crawl space: Look for insulation materials like fiberglass batts, foam board, or spray foam along the ceiling and rim joists. These areas are key to keeping your home energy-efficient.

If you spot gaps or missing insulation in any of these areas, it may be time for an upgrade!

Your Insulation Falls Short of the Department of Energy (DOE) Standards.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has invested heavily in researching optimal insulation levels—so why not take advantage of that valuable information?

For example, in climates like New York and New Jersey, the DOE recommends an R-value of R-60 for attic insulation. Anything lower than that could be wasting energy and causing you to lose conditioned air, which directly impacts your HVAC efficiency.

Visit the DOE’s website to check the recommended insulation levels for your region. Chances are, your home might be under-insulated. Or, you can always consult with the experts at URBN HVAC to get a professional assessment.

Why not make a simple, cost-effective improvement to your home that can lead to huge energy savings? It’s a no-brainer!

Conclusion

Blown-in insulation plays a critical role in keeping your home energy-efficient, but it doesn’t last forever. On average, its lifespan is about 10 to 30 years, depending on materials, installation quality, and environmental conditions. Over time, aging insulation can lead to energy loss, increased HVAC strain, and higher utility bills.

To maintain optimal comfort and efficiency, inspect your insulation regularly and look for warning signs like rising energy costs, inconsistent indoor temperatures, or visible damage. If your insulation is over a decade old or showing wear, upgrading it can improve energy performance and reduce costs. A professional energy audit can pinpoint inefficiencies, helping you decide if it’s time for an upgrade. Modern insulation, paired with proper air sealing, ensures your HVAC system runs efficiently, delivering consistent comfort while cutting energy waste.

FAQs

How can I determine if my insulation is properly installed? 

Proper installation is key to insulation effectiveness. A professional energy audit can pinpoint installation issues and air leaks.

Can blown-in insulation help reduce noise between rooms? 

Yes, certain materials like cellulose and rock wool can also provide soundproofing benefits, in addition to insulation.

How do I choose the best type of insulation for my home?

The best insulation depends on your climate, budget, and installation area. Consult with an expert to make an informed decision.

What should I do if I find mold in my insulation?

Mold can significantly reduce insulation’s efficiency. It’s important to replace affected areas immediately and address moisture issues.

Can I install insulation myself or should I hire a professional?

While DIY is possible for small projects, professional installation ensures proper sealing and maximizes your insulation’s performance.

Users Also Say

D****t***s_E***ne_*8

“Cellulose lasts up to 30 years in a perfect attic. No moisture, no pests, no excess humidity. In reality 10 to 15 years. It’s a huge pain in the arse to remove compared to fiberglass. Removing is not a DIY job”

L**i-D**

“My parents blew 18 inches in my attic and retrofitted / packed the sidewalls with cellulose in 1985. Haven’t touched it in the 37 years since. It’s settled some in the attic and I (I own house now) am thinking of adding some more but there hasn’t been issues.”