Your HVAC system should optimize the performance of your air conditioner and your heater. In order to do this, you need insulation in conjunction with a well-installed ductwork system. Insulation and properly installed duct systems are vital to the energy efficiency and comfort of any building.
Optimize HVAC Performance
Insulation can lock in temperatures. This is true for the heating provided by the furnace during the winter and the cooling provided by the air conditioner during the summer. Insulation, therefore, optimizes HVAC performance, reducing the system’s workload and energy consumption.
Lower Cost
If your ductwork and HVAC system are not properly insulated or installed, there will be significant air loss. The HVAC system needs to work harder to reach and stay at the desired indoor temperature, which will raise energy bills. In some buildings, up to 30% of heating and air conditioning is lost because of inadequate insulation. Investing in proper installation and insulation will lower air leakage while minimizing energy use.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Your home’s ductwork is, in essence, the circulatory system of your HVAC system. In the same way that a blockage or leakage in a person’s circulatory system can have disastrous results, so to leaky or poorly insulated ducts can lead to massive energy loss. This is because conditioned air, be it heated or cooled, escapes into spaces that are not conditioned. For example, if there is a hole in the ductwork in the unfinished basement of a home, the conditioned air leaks out and dissipates in the unconditioned room, creating a constant funnel of conditioned air.
As a result, the air conditioner and furnace work harder to try to keep the rest of the house at the desired temperature. This leads to more energy loss and higher utility bills. On the flip side, a properly sealed and insulated duct system keeps the air flowing through the ductwork, allowing it to reach the rooms it is intended to reach.
Prolong Your HVAC System’s Lifespan
The better installed and insulated your home’s ductwork is, the longer your HVAC system will likely last. Properly insulated and installed ductwork means that your HVAC system does not have to work overtime to compensate for inefficiencies. Your HVAC system, therefore, has less wear and tear. This means fewer breakdowns, a longer life cycle, and ultimately less money spent on replacement costs and repairs.
Noise Reduction
The noise of an HVAC system can become an annoyance, especially when the HVAC system first starts to activate. Most HVAC systems are designed to minimize noise when possible. However, proper insulation can take that noise reduction to another level. True, your HVAC system will never be 100% silent, but you can ensure that it is as quiet as possible. If, even with proper insulation, your HVAC system is making loud noises, this could indicate a problem with your system. At this point, it’s a good idea to have a professional technician look at it.
Areas to Insulate for Improved HVAC Efficiency
In addition to ensuring that your ductwork is properly installed, there are other areas to insulate in your home to optimize HVAC efficiency. The attic is important. It is one of the primary areas where you will either lose or gain heat. Insulating the attic prevents warm air from escaping during the winter and keeps hot air from accumulating in the attic during the summer.
Wall insulation ensures that there is a barrier between the exterior walls and the interior walls. This will help reduce heat transfer. Cellulose, fiberglass, and foam board insulation are good options.
Floor insulation, including installing floors above unconditioned spaces, helps prevent heat loss and drafts. The insulation material should be designed for floors, including foam spray or rigid foam insulation.
Work With an HVAC Company Focused on Comfort
At Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., we have been providing HVAC services to homes around the Denver, CO, area since 2007. We understand how important it is for your property to have a reliable HVAC system. The quality of our work is seen in the fact that we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are proud to employ NATE-certified technicians.
Our services include HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance. We offer indoor air quality service, air duct cleaning, and professional air scrubber services. Contact Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. today and see for yourself how it feels to work with a company that puts you first.
