When indoor temperatures seem to fluctuate from hot to cold despite your thermostat reading the right number, you may be curious if your walls have any residential insulation. There are a few ways to tell what your property has without ripping down walls. Here are a few things to try.

How to Know if Your Home Has Insulation

1. Existing Gaps

The easiest way to check for insulation without creating holes in your walls is to use existing openings such as vents, outlets, or light switches. Simply remove outer plates and take a peek behind the drywall. You should easily see fiberglass or blown-in insulation inside.

2. Baseboard or Molding

Stay low on your walls and gently remove a section of molding or baseboard with a crowbar. Carefully lift away the wood border and take a look at what is inside your walls. For baseboards, remove the brads securing them to see what is there. If there is fiberglass insulation, you should see the material or the paper side poking out. When you can’t see anything, find two studs and cut a hole near the bottom of the space between them, getting as low to the floor as you can, so the molding or baseboard will cover it when replaced.

3. Wire Hanger

If you can’t see anything, try feeling around. Straighten a wire hanger and insert it into the hole you cut into the drywall. If there is insulation in there, you will feel it, and the probe you’ve created will not move easily. This method may not work for blown insulation, as this type shifts and pockets behind drywall.

4. Closets or Cabinets

Another area that will give you an easy read but not leave behind a hole in your home is over cabinets or inside of a closet. Just like before, find two studs and drill a small hole. If you can’t see insulation, use an inspection scope or hanger to feel around for signs that you have what you need.

5. Call the Experts

The best way to find out is to call a residential insulation company. They can inspect your home and will inconspicuously check your walls without disturbing your space. Professional teams have techniques and tools that will not damage your drywall and will determine if you are missing crucial insulation on your property.

Alas-Co General Construction in Anchorage, AK, has been the top choice for residential insulation services for more than 30 years. Whether you need crawlspace or attic insulation and inspections for thermal and air loss in your new or existing space, this team will help. Call this construction contractor at (907) 522-2297, or visit their website for more on their residential insulation services.