A little hole in the insulation equals a big hole for energy loss.
This kind of spot was found in four places in this attic.
It is a proper support and box for a bedroom ceiling fan.
There is nothing wrong with the installation.
However, when the insulation is pulled away to install this support arm and wiring, it should be replaced.
Insulation is only effective if it is level and uniform.
When there are thin spots, or gaps, or holes, or areas like you see here with the bare drywall exposed, these places become huge energy wasters.
Heat seeks cold. So in the summer it is trying to get into the house and in the winter it is trying to get out.
It will always be successful!
Why? Because physics works!
There are four such locations in this house with four similar thermal patterns around bedroom ceiling fans. Thermal imaging brings this problem dramatically to life. And it was not a hot day outside during this inspection. Imagine the temperature extremes during hot or cold weather.
That adds up to a lot of square footage left without insulation. A little in each room.
Will this influence the temperatures in the rooms? Yes. In the upper level overall? Yes.
My recommendation: sometimes things done partially right and partially wrong end up with a 100% negative. Half and half does not cut it. A job must be done completely right. Insulation is one of those things paid less attention to, yet it has a huge impact overall in a house. It is permanent! So it can be permanently effective or permanently ineffective. I would suggest one should strive for perfection.
