As temperatures rise across Virginia, many homeowners are unknowingly paying the price for poor or outdated insulation — especially in homes built before 1990. With energy costs soaring, local experts say insulation problems aren’t just a winter concern.

“Most people don’t think about insulation until they’re freezing in the winter,” said Odette Holmes, a representative for Coastal Insulation & Fireplaces, LLC, a Fredericksburg-based company serving Northern, Central, and Eastern Virginia, including the Virginia Beach/Chesapeake region. “But in the summer, bad insulation can be just as expensive — if not more.”

Without proper insulation, your air-conditioned air can easily escape through walls, attics, and crawl spaces, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. That drives up energy bills, strains your equipment, and creates uncomfortable hot spots throughout the house.

“If your home feels stuffy or your AC never seems to shut off, it’s a sign something’s wrong,” Holmes said. “Inadequate insulation lets heat in and cold air out — and that’s like throwing money out the window.”

Other signs of insufficient insulation include rooms that are noticeably hotter than others, high indoor humidity, and rising utility bills. In crawl spaces and attics, insulation that is sagging, torn, or chewed by pests often signals trouble — and opens the door for moisture, mold, and infestations.

“Moisture is a big concern in summer, especially with Virginia’s humidity,” Holmes noted. “If insulation gets damp from condensation or leaks, it loses its effectiveness and can even harbor mold, which affects air quality.”

In older homes, outdated insulation may not meet today’s safety standards and could pose a fire hazard as well.

With more than 26 years of experience, Coastal Insulation & Fireplaces, LLC provides customized solutions for both new construction and existing homes. Their technicians conduct on-site evaluations to assess current insulation and recommend upgrades based on today’s energy-efficiency guidelines.

While best known for insulation services — including fiberglass batts, blown-in, and spray foam — the company also installs fireplaces, offering aesthetic appeal and year-round functionality.

“Good insulation isn’t just about winter warmth. It keeps your home cool in the summer, reduces energy waste, and helps your system run more efficiently all year,” Holmes said.

Homeowners, especially those with older properties or unusually high electric bills, are encouraged to schedule a free inspection. Coastal Insulation & Fireplaces, LLC offers no-obligation evaluations to help identify small issues before they turn into costly problems.

To schedule a visit, call (540) 370-0515 or stop by their Fredericksburg office at 1117 Tyler Street.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here