Attic Insulation Experts in Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton

CountyPest
Jan 2
4 min read

Updated: Jan 6

If your home feels drafty in winter, struggles to stay cool in summer, or your energy bills keep climbing, insulation is often the missing piece. Many homes throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton still rely on insulation installed decades ago, long before today’s energy standards, building science, and health considerations.

At County Pest’s CleanStart Insulation Division, we specialize in inspecting, removing, and upgrading insulation the right way, focusing on comfort, efficiency, indoor air quality, and long-term protection of your home.

Below, we answer the most common questions homeowners ask about insulation so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why Insulation Matters More Than You Think

Insulation does far more than just keep your home warm. Proper insulation:

Reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
Lowers heating and cooling costs
Improves indoor comfort and temperature consistency
Helps control moisture and humidity
Reduces outside noise
Creates a barrier against pests, odors, and airborne contaminants

In our climate zone (Eastern Pennsylvania, Zone 5A), attic insulation plays the largest role in energy efficiency. Heat rises, and without adequate attic insulation, it escapes quickly, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and longer.

How Often Should Insulation Be Replaced?

There’s no universal expiration date, but most insulation should be evaluated every 15–20 years, especially if:

Your home was built before modern energy codes
Energy bills have steadily increased
Rooms are unevenly heated or cooled
You’ve had roof leaks, moisture issues, rodents, or wildlife
Insulation appears compressed, dirty, or uneven

In Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, we routinely find attics with insulation that has settled, thinned out, or become contaminated over time. Even if insulation is still present, it may no longer be performing anywhere near its intended R-value.

What Is R-Value and Why Does It Matter?

R-value measures insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performs.

For homes in our region, the recommended attic R-value is R-49 or higher. Many older homes we inspect are operating at R-13 to R-25, sometimes less.

That difference can mean:

Significant heat loss in winter
Excessive heat gain in summer
Higher monthly energy costs year-round

Does Old Insulation Cause Health or Air Quality Issues?

It can. Over time, insulation can trap:

Rodent and wildlife droppings
Dust, pollen, and allergens
Mold spores from moisture intrusion
Odors from previous infestations

If your attic or crawlspace contains HVAC ducting, these contaminants can be circulated throughout your living space. This is especially concerning for households with children, pets, asthma, or allergies.

That’s why CleanStart doesn’t just “add more insulation.” We remove, sanitize, and reset the space when conditions warrant it.

What Makes CleanStart Different?

CleanStart is not a generic insulation add-on service. It’s a full remediation and insulation upgrade process, built on building science and pest control expertise.

Our process typically includes:

Detailed attic or crawlspace inspection
Identification of moisture, pest, or air leakage issues
Safe removal of contaminated or ineffective insulation when needed
Sanitization and deodorization of the space
Air sealing of key gaps and penetrations
Installation of TAP® ComfortTherm® cellulose insulation to proper depth and coverage

Why We Use TAP® ComfortTherm® Insulation

TAP® ComfortTherm® is a cellulose-based insulation engineered for thermal performance, sound control, and pest resistance.

Key benefits include:

High R-value per inch
Dense coverage that reduces air movement
Borate-treated for added pest resistance
No harsh off-gassing once installed
Made largely from recycled materials

It’s an excellent fit for homes in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton where efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance matter.

Can New Insulation Really Lower Energy Bills?

Yes. Proper insulation can reduce the portion of your energy bill related to heating and cooling by up to 30%, depending on starting conditions.

For example:If a home spends $400 per month on heating and cooling during peak seasons, improving insulation and air sealing can significantly reduce that ongoing cost over the life of the home.

Savings compound year after year, making insulation one of the highest-return home upgrades available.

Are There Tax Credits or Incentives?

There may be federal energy efficiency tax credits available for insulation upgrades, depending on the year, product qualifications, and individual tax situations.

We recommend homeowners consult their tax professional for eligibility details. CleanStart can provide documentation related to materials and installation to support your filing when applicable.

Is Insulation a One-Day Project?

Many CleanStart insulation upgrades can be completed in one day, depending on:

Size of the space
Accessibility
Removal requirements
Weather conditions

We prioritize clean work, clear communication, and minimal disruption to your home.

Schedule a CleanStart Insulation Inspection

If you live in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton and are unsure about the condition of your attic or crawlspace insulation, a professional inspection is the best place to start.

County Pest’s CleanStart Division brings decades of building, pest, and environmental experience together to help homeowners: