Houston residents can save 20 to 50% on energy bills by upgrading attic insulation. Insulating attic spaces limits heat transfer, which increases comfort and reduces demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. The HVAC specialists at Air Depot provide a full range of Katy air conditioning repair services that range from improving energy efficiency to installing new systems.

Recommended R-values

Heat moves from warm to cool areas. Attic insulation keeps hot air from radiating into air-conditioned spaces during the summer and keeps heat from rising into cold attic spaces during the winter. When attics are properly insulated, heating and cooling units do not have to work as hard to maintain temperature and humidity levels. This lowers the incidence of breakdowns that require Katy’s AC repair services.

R-value indicates a material’s resistance to heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance. In the Houston area, attic insulation R-values should range between R-30 and R-60. If you live in an older home with only a few inches of attic insulation, adding insulation will increase energy efficiency.

Types of Insulation

There are three types of attic insulation: batts, spray foam, and loose-fill. Which one you select depends on the accessibility of the attic space, placement, and arrangement of joists, and the type of insulation already present. As part of our Katy AC services, we evaluate current insulation levels as well as the type of HVAC system and thermostat you use to determine the amount and type of insulation that will work best for you.

Batting comes in rolls that are the width of standard attic joists. If your attic is uninsulated, you should use foil-backed batts to create a vapor barrier. Rolls without a vapor barrier can be placed over existing batting. Batts are made from fiberglass, mineral wool, cotton, or cellulose. Fiberglass batts are the least expensive. However, they are the least effective in retarding heat flow. Mineral wool has the advantage of being fire-retardant but is more expensive. Cotton blocks both airflow and sound but is also more expensive.

Loose-fill is made of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool particles that are machine-blown into the attic. It is convenient for attics with low clearance, irregularly spaced joists, or areas that are hard to fill. The fill is moisture-resistant. Loose-fill is more expensive than batts.

Spray foam is the most effective of the three types. As it dries, it expands and seals holes. If you plan to finish out the attic in the future, it can be sprayed on roof rafters and covered with wallboard later. However, it costs more than the other options.

Our NATE-certified technicians provide energy-saving services and products that keep you comfortable and reduce the need for Katy air conditioning repairs. For more information about how insulating your attic can improve energy efficiency and reduce wear and tear on your HVAC system, call Air Depot today!

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