Is the inside of your home warm when it’s hot outside or chilly when it’s cold outside? Is your HVAC system constantly running to maintain a steady temperature in your home? A primary component of poor home insulation can be attributed to the attic. If your attic insulation isn’t sufficient, it can allow for outside temperatures to creep in. This can make you or your guest uncomfortable and cause your HVAC system to work overtime, costing you more money in the long run. That said, it may come as no surprise to Florida homeowners that keeping your home well insulated is important for comfortability and your wallet.
Common Signs of a Poorly Insulated Attic
Other than the factors described above, there are other ways to tell if your attic needs an insulation top off or change. The US Department of Energy recommends your Florida attic to be insulated at a Resistance-Value (R-Value) of 60. This requires approximately 17 inches of insulation throughout your attic. If you can see exposed joists in your attic, your insulation is most likely not thick enough to retain the air inside the home. You may also have remnants of previous pest infestations causing the air in that area to become contaminated. Replacing this insulation will provide cleaner air for the attic and HVAC system. While these factors may seem like a lot to tackle, there is a product available that not only provides a high R-Value but also keeps common attic insects at bay.
Benefits of Attic Insulation
There are several products designed to simultaneously insulate your attic and eliminate pests. This type of cellulose insulation is treated with borate, a natural mineral that deters insects like cockroaches, ants, centipedes, and other common attic pests. It also has powerful thermal-acoustical properties, as it reduces heat loss and even noise transmission in your attic. It is Energy Star approved and studies have shown it can save you up to 30% in energy bill costs per year. In addition, it is environmentally friendly and fire-resistant.
While other products available can get the job done, this type of insulation is the best choice for efficiency, longevity, and comfortability. If you suspect your insulation needs changing or topping off, contact your local insulation service provider and have a professional inspect it. Make sure your Florida home stays comfortable all year round for years to come with attic insulation.
