Proper insulation in your home will significantly affect your comfort and change the effectiveness of your HVAC system, whether the weather is swelteringly hot or blisteringly cold. While it might seem like one of the more mundane aspects of your living environment, ensuring that everything is properly insulated helps keep energy bills lower. If you think your home insulation isn’t as efficient as it could be, it’s time to contact a professional at Of Course! Heating and Cooling, one of the top HVAC maintenance options in Yucaipa, CA.
The Role of Insulation in Your HVAC System?
The essential function of insulation is to help minimize heat transfer. When your system loses less heat while pushing airflow through your home, it’s much easier to help keep your home’s interior temperature more consistent.
If your ductwork leaks during the winter, cooler air from outside the system will cool the heated air within the ducts. The system will then have to work harder to maintain the temperature of the air as it passes through, which results in reduced efficiency and higher energy bills. That’s why well-maintained, sealed, and insulated HVAC ductwork is essential.
R-Value Is Critical
All HVAC insulation is measured using the R-value. The R-value directly measures how well an insulation material resists the conductive heat flow in and out of the home. The precise R-value of a material varies based on its per-inch thickness and installation method. Higher R-values equate to better climate adjustability and overall home efficiency, but they also mean you may spend more money.
Types of Home Insulation
Insulation is far from a one-size-fits-all proposition. Multiple types of insulation have their pros and cons. Some to consider are:
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is one of the denser insulation types. It is made from recycled paper products. Cellulose provides about three times the density of fiberglass insulation and conforms to the space surrounding the ducts without damaging the finish of surrounding structures. While composed of paper, most cellulose insulation also includes fire retardant. Cellulose insulation is known for its sustainability, as it uses natural materials.
Cellulose insulation typically yields an R-value between 3.2 and 3.8 per square inch of insulation material.
Fiberglass Duct Wrap Insulation
This insulation wraps neatly around the duct and fits rectangular and circular systems. Fiberglass has powerful thermal properties that help the system conserve energy throughout the year. The material is typically made from recycled or non-recycled glass bonded using thermosetting resin. This insulation stands out because it also reduces sound transmission, which makes for a quieter system.
Fiberglass duct wrap insulation usually has an R-value of 2.2 to 2.7 per square inch.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Rigid foam board insulation is created using a plastic-based foam to deliver insulation. Because its composition is made from materials like polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, or polyurethane, this might not be the most sustainable insulation option. Still, rigid foam board is known for its strength as it won’t sag or fall when used in internal spaces. Like cellulose insulation, fire retardants are often used in this option. Since rigid foam board insulation can be cut to size, it’s a good option for creating a tight fit when insulating ductwork.
With rigid foam board insulation, the R-value varies between the utilized materials. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Polyisocyanurate: 6.5 to 6.8 per square inch
- Polystyrene: 5 per square inch for extruded and 4.7 per square inch for graphite
- Polyurethane: approximately 5.9 per square inch
Spray Foam Insulation
For a solid, typically airtight seal for HVAC systems, spray foam insulation is a great choice. As the name indicates, this foam sprays onto ductwork to keep air from leaking in and out of your HVAC system. It’s easy to apply and reach difficult-to-apply places.
Open-cell spray insulation has an R-value around 3.6 to 3.9 per square inch, and closed-cell spray foam’s R-value ranges from 6 to 7 per square inch.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Good insulation will increase the lifespan of your HVAC units. Effectively, if your system is trying to compensate for reduced efficiency, the internal elements will have to work harder, causing unnecessary system wear. Proper insulation throughout the system and in the walls and roof of your home provide the comfort you should expect with lower monthly costs. We can inspect your system to identify issues and suggest lasting solutions.
If you live in Yucaipa and the surrounding area, Of Course! Heating and Cooling can prevent HVAC issues, clean your ducts, and install an air conditioning unit or heater. Contact Of Course! Heating and Cooling today for all of your heating and air conditioning needs!
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