You may consider insulation as an afterthought when thinking of how efficiently your HVAC unit runs. Although which make or model HVAC unit you choose to keep your home comfortable is essential, insulation can make or break how effectively it runs and does its job. Not only can having the proper insulation keep you and your family comfortable all year long, but it also plays an important role in saving your money on your heating and cooling utility bills.
Insulation Information
Most of your home’s insulation should be concentrated in the attic. That’s because your roof receives full sun exposure and is continually exposed to the elements. As our Florida summer sun beats down on your roof during the hottest months of the year, insulation in your home’s attic and walls stops the resulting heat from seeping into your interior, making your rooms noticeably hotter. On the other hand, heat rises, and insulation keeps the warm air from escaping your home through your roof during the winter months.
How Much You Need
Insulation is measured in R-values, where the R stands for “resistance,” The number that follows indicates the number of hours it will withstand temperature changes. It’s important to note that different regions of the country have different insulation requirements, and how much you need in your home depends on your climate and the square footage of the house, and where the insulation is placed.
In Florida, the following R-ratings are recommended:
- R-13 for framed walls
- R-7.8 or higher for block walls
- R-6 for exterior insulation
- R-30 for the ceiling
According to The US Department of Energy, your attic should have a minimum of 16 inches of fiberglass or blown-in insulation to improve your HVAC’s efficiency.
How It Helps Your HVAC
As mentioned, having the proper amount of insulation in your home can help you minimize the effects of heat entering and leaving the building and provide heat resistance. It also helps your HVAC run efficiently, boosts its performance, and helps you save on your home’s heating and cooling costs. Insulation is essential for your HVAC’s efficiency for the following reasons.
Less Unit Stress
Your AC compressor consumes a large amount of electricity, so allowing it to run shorter cooling cycles to get you comfortable results in lower electricity costs. Similarly, insulation keeps heat from being lost through the attic, so your gas-fired furnace uses less fuel.
Accurate Efficiency Ratings
SEER and AFUE ratings assume that your home has proper insulation installed. The minimum SEER rating allowed in our region is 14. If your unit runs below this number, the manufacturer efficiency ratings will be inaccurate. These ratings help predict your unit’s cost to operate, so accuracy matters.
Increased Unit Longevity
Making your HVAC unit’s job easier results in less wear and tear as well as fewer repairs needed than when your unit is overworked. Not to mention that your HVAC unit would have to work harder than usual to compensate for the heat entering your home or the cool air escaping it were it not for your insulation.
Rely on Comfort Temp
In addition to ensuring you have the proper insulation types and levels, you may want to consider insulating your ducts even further to take the load off your HVAC. No matter your insulation situation, keep your unit running optimally by trusting Comfort Temp for all your heating and cooling needs. From duct cleaning to inspections, repairs, and replacements, we have the expertise to keep you and your family comfortable – no matter what! Contact us today to find out more.
