Where Should You Install Home Insulation?

Insulation is designed to obstruct conduction heat gain/loss. When installed correctly and maintained properly, home insulation does a great job for enhancing comfort and saving energy. If you need to upgrade, replace, or install new insulation in your Orlando area home, use these tips to help.

Unfinished Attics

Attics are hot spots in Central Florida homes for substantial heat gain/loss and higher energy bills. Check the depth of insulation in your attic. It should cover the floor joists. If you need to add more insulation, fiberglass is a practical option. It’s available in rolls, batts, and loose fill.

There are other insulation options, such as cellulose loose fill, rock-wool, and spray-in foam for maximum efficiency. Just make sure the original insulation is the same density or more dense than the new.

Sun-Struck Walls

Sun-struck walls can drive cooling bills through the roof if they’re not welli-nsulated. For existing homes, spray-in foam pumped into walls through small holes is the most practical option.

North-facing and shaded walls need to be insulated, too, in order to prevent heat loss during the heating months. If you’re not sure if your walls are insulated, remove an electrical outlet plate from all exterior walls and peer inside. The R-value may be printed on paper-backed fiberglass insulation.

Crawl Spaces

Ventilated crawl spaces may present a substantial moisture problem that invite mold, insects and vermin. Seal the crawl space floor with polyethylene or polypropylene liners. Even better, seal your entire crawl space with these liners and insulate the ceiling with rigid foam insulation.

Basement Walls

Basements often contain the HVAC systems, piping and water heaters. Basements are also great places to store items. Protect your HVAC system and storage area by insulating the basement walls and ceiling with rigid foam insulation or spray-in foam.

Attached Garages

If your home has an attached garage, check insulation in walls and ceilings shared with the living spaces. If garage walls are unfinished, insulate them, install drywall, seal, and paint.

For more home-insulation tips, contact Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions. We’ve served the Orlando area and surrounding communities since 1969!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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