If you live in the Greater Atlanta area your cooling unit has probably been running nearly non-stop this summer. An older system is probably not cooling as effectively as you would like it to and exponentially increasing your energy bills. That means you just need to install a new unit, right?
Not necessarily. Before installing a new HVAC system, you should insulate and air seal your home.
Insulation Before HVAC Installation for Your Atlanta Area Home
Based on new research conducted by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), an estimated 90% of American homes are under-insulated. Insulation is the thermal barrier of your home, keeping heat out during the summer and in during the winter.
How Insulation Benefits Your New HVAC System
Without adequate insulation and air sealing, a heating and cooling specialist shouldn’t even be able to properly estimate the size of a unit needed for your home. In order to ensure you have an appropriately-sized HVAC system installed, an expert should perform a blower door test and thermal imaging analysis. Air sealing and insulating will improve these results, allowing you to get a right-sized unit which will be more energy efficient and ultimately make your home more comfortable.
After insulating, due to your home’s increased ability to retain heat during the winter, or keep it out during the summer, your heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as often to keep the temperature steady. This means you’ll see benefits such as:
- A correctly sized unit for your home is more efficient
- Lower monthly utility bills
- Less cycling
- Fewer repairs
- Longer lifespan of HVAC system
High R-value (thermal resistance) insulation ensures the inside of your home stays comfortable, with a consistent temperature, based on your preference and the season. It will additionally help to remove any hot or cold zones from your home, reduce your energy bills and provide sound dampening. Depending on the areas of your home requiring insulation, different types may be used.
AirTight360 Hybrid Spray Foam Insulation
Our AirTight360 system offer spray foam performance without the hassle! It usually costs 40% less than spray foam and incorporates air sealing that will perform for the life of your home.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray polyurethane foam insulation is commonly used in attics, walls and floors. It has the added benefit of reducing air leaks and providing soundproofing benefits.
Air Sealing
Sealing the sources of leaks and infiltration with caulk, spray foam, and weather stripping will have a great impact on the efficiency of your HVAC system and thus on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills.
Insulation Batts
Commonly used in walls and floors, fiberglass or rock wool batts are a relatively inexpensive insulation option.
Blown-In Insulation
Made of cellulose, rock wool or fiberglass, blown-in insulation makes it easy to install in hard to reach areas such as attics, or existing walls.
Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Most often used in basements or crawlspaces, rigid foam board insulation is a great option for where space is limited and higher R-values are needed.
