The Vital Role Insulation Plays in Maximizing Your Home Heating and Cooling Efficiency
As any heating contractor can tell you, your HVAC system is only as efficient as your home. Your home is a system, and the building envelope is what contains the heating and cooling output produced by your HVAC system. Without adequate insulation, much of this heating and cooling energy is lost, compromising your energy efficiency and causing your bills to soar ever higher.
How Insulation Works
Insulation is designed to resist the transfer of heat from one area to another. There are different types of insulation, from fiberglass batting to reflective or radiant barriers. Insulation addresses three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the direct transfer of heat through contact, while convection is the movement of heated air such as that in your attic. The sun radiates heat that reaches the earth—and the walls of your home—resulting in thermal transfer.
The right type and appropriate amounts of insulation in key areas of your home can combat this heat transfer. It works both ways, preventing excessive heat from entering your home during the summer and preventing heat loss during the winter. Without adequate insulation, your home can experience a range of problems, not the least of which is significantly reduced efficiency for your HVAC system.
Where to Insulate
It helps to know if your home has problem areas, which is why an energy audit by a qualified heating contractor can identify areas for improvement. Important areas are your walls—including the wall between your home and garage—and your attic. Sometimes new insulation can be added to your existing insulation without having to replace it, while at other times an insulation overhaul can help boost your home's energy efficiency.
To learn more about properly insulating your home with the right kind and amount of insulation for maximum efficiency, contact Greenwood Heating & Air at (206) 734-3370. We can help you understand where your home could be better insulated, and how it can help increase your overall energy efficiency.
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