By implementing a few maintenance measures, you can greatly strengthen the functionality of your HVAC system, which includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. A more efficient HVAC unit can help you reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home. Because of this, one of the most important things you can do to lower your utility bill is to invest in proper insulation.
How Insulation Works
Insulation slows the transfer of heat from one location to another. A warm coat works on the same premise. While insulation can’t keep 100% of the heat in or out, it can do a good job of slowing the amount of heat transferred from one side of the insulation to another.
Heat flow occurs through three important mechanisms. Conduction is how heat moves through materials, like when your body warms up in a hot bathtub. Radiant heat moves in a straight line and heats anything solid that is in its way. Finally, convection heat is when heat circulates among gas or liquid particles. Convection heat is the fundamental reason heat rises and cool air sinks.
Most insulation types should slow conductive and convective heat. However, some radiant and reflective insulation works to prevent homes from gaining radiant heat.
Even with the best insulation, heat will steadily move from warmer places to colder places until the temperature is the same. The R-value is the measurement used to determine the resistance of insulation to heat flow. A high R-value means the material is better at preventing heat loss.
Why Is Good Insulation Important for HVAC Efficiency?
Proper insulation is important because during the summer it helps to keep heat from entering your home, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. In the winter, it does the opposite action and prevents heat from escaping.
Insulation provides a few important benefits:
- Reduced pollen and allergens
- Lower electricity bills
- Enhanced humidity control
- Decreased wear and tear on your HVAC system
- Fewer ice dams on your roof
- Better comfort
Depending on the type, home insulation can last 20 to 100 years. However, even though insulation could be in good condition, it might not be the right R-value for your area.
Springfield residents should ask a professional about the R-value recommended for their homes. Because ceilings, walls, and crawl spaces release heat in different ways, each part of your home has a different R-value requirement. In the state of Missouri, ceilings and attics should have an R-value of 49. While crawl space walls should have an R-value of 19, the floors over crawl spaces should be at 25. Finally, your walls should have an R-value of at least 18.
Do I Need New Insulation?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your home may need to get new insulation installed:
- Indoor drafts
- High electricity or gas costs
- Frozen pipes
- Ice dams on your roof
- Wet insulation
- Issues maintaining indoor temperatures
How to Improve Your HVAC Efficiency
Updating your insulation is just one way you can improve your HVAC efficiency. If you’re trying to lower your energy costs, try some of the following maintenance tips.
Change Your Filter
Most manufacturers recommend changing or cleaning your HVAC filter every 30 to 90 days. If you don’t change your home’s air filter on time, it forces your HVAC unit to work harder and reduces its energy efficiency.
Get Routine Maintenance Checks
Routine maintenance checks help keep your system in working order. Ideally, schedule maintenance for your air conditioner in the spring before the weather heats to triple digits. Then, you can schedule a second maintenance in the fall for your furnace before the weather gets too cold.
Seal Ducts, Windows, and Walls
Sometimes, ducts can develop a leak that lets air escape into your attic or crawlspace. This can lead to higher energy bills, so it’s important to get your ducts sealed. You can also check your windows and walls for cracks and gaps. If you find any cracks, you can simply seal them up with caulk.
Learn More About Insulation Options in Missouri
Queen City Heating & Cooling has experience providing top-notch insulation and HVAC installation services in Springfield. Besides providing maintenance service, we are also skilled in air filtration, as well as the installation and repair of furnaces and air conditioners. As an added benefit, we have emergency repair services available for any immediate needs that may arise. To learn more about how Queen City Heating & Cooling can help, contact our HVAC company today.
