Insulation: It’s Not Just a Wintertime Concern

Proper attic insulation can help keep summertime cooling costs down.

insulationWhen most people think of insulation, the first thing that comes to mind is an image of a house all bundled up against the winter cold. And while insulation does have an important role to play in keeping heat in and chilly winter winds out, winter is not the only season when you need insulation. Insulation also plays a vital role in the summertime by helping to keep cooled air in and hot outdoor air out.

If you have a home that was built before air conditioning became a standard feature rather than a luxury, it is entirely possible that this summertime benefit of insulation was overlooked by the builder. It’s possible that any contractors who may have retrofitted the home with air conditioning overlooked proper insulation as well. Now, you may very well be spending more on your cooling bills than necessary and still living with poor indoor air comfort.

Even if you have a newer home, you might have sub-par insulation, because over time certain types of insulation may shift, get wet, or otherwise become compromised.

Get Your Insulation Evaluated Today

Up to 40 percent of the air loss from the average home escapes right through the ceiling and up into the attic. The EPA estimates that adding proper insulation can reduce this air loss by 25 percent, as well as save the average Californian 8 percent on their total home energy bills and 14 percent on their HVAC bills.

So how do you figure out if your home has proper insulation? The best way is to contact the professionals at General Heating & Air Conditioning. We can come inspect your current insulation to make sure it is in good condition and is placed properly.

Two Important Summertime Insulation Products

If your current insulation is not delivering the performance you deserve, we have two options that can help you save on your energy bills:

AttiCat Expanding Fiberglas Insulation: This non-settling, non-corrosive, non-combustible, and mold-resistant insulation product can greatly reduce heat penetration and energy loss from your attic. We blow in this insulation using special equipment to create tons of tiny air pockets and maximize its insulating properties.

Radiant Barrier Foil: By installing radiant barrier foil on the underside of your attic rafters, we can help keep attics from overheating in summer, which will reduce heat transfer to the rest of the home and keep your AC from working overtime. This product can reflect up to 95 percent of the sun’s radiant heat away from your home.

Call us at (626) 531-0022 to learn more.