Insulation Level Importance in Phoenix, AZ

Do you have Attic Insulation in your home?

We all know that Phoenix can be really hot. We spend months dealing with temperatures over 100 degrees. All of that heat has to go. A lot of it ends up in your attic. Every attic gets incredibly hot during the summer months. This heat is constantly pushing against the ceiling of your home. This is why your Attic Insulation is so important. Attic Insulation helps slow down the transfer of heat from the attic into your air conditioned living space. It gives your air conditioner a chance of keeping up.

One thing that surprises homeowners is that having Attic Insulation in the attic does not necessarily mean you have enough Attic Insulation.

So how much Attic Insulation is enough?

When we talk about Attic Insulation you will often hear the term “R-value”. R-value is simply a way of measuring how well Attic Insulation resists heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the the resistance to heat transfer.

We have seen homes in the Phoenix area with only R-30 Attic Insulation. While that may have been acceptable for the homes construction requirements homeowners sometimes assume that because their home is new the attic must have the amount of Attic Insulation. That is not necessarily true.

R-38 is commonly used as a code” Attic Insulation level. Sometimes R-49 is often a target for homes dealing with the extreme heat we experience here in the Valley.

Why go higher? Because in Phoenix it is really hot. Having the right amount of Attic Insulation creates a barrier between that heat and the conditioned space below.

New Home Construction? You may still need Attic Insulation.

Buying a construction home does not automatically mean the Attic Insulation is at the level you would choose if you were designing the home yourself.

Builders have to work within budgets. They also have to follow building requirements and construction specifications. Those state wide requirements do not necessarily represent the level of Attic Insulation that will provide the possible comfort for us in Phoenix. It is not one size fits all.

We have been in attics of homeowners who assumed their home was completely built and insulated for our climate. Only to find out they had R-30 in the attic. Again that does not necessarily mean the builder did anything. It simply means there may be an opportunity to improve the home.

If you do not have the level of Attic Insulation your air conditioner may have to work harder and longer to maintain the temperature you have set on the thermostat.

You may also notice that some rooms seem warmer than others. Maybe the bedroom at the end of the hallway is always hot. Maybe the thermostat says 75 degrees. Certain rooms feel much warmer.

There can be reasons for those problems.. The attic is one of the first places we recommend looking.

At Koala Insulation of North and West Phoenix we occasionally suggest homeowners consider R-49. This is when we are evaluating Attic Insulation in the Phoenix area.

That does not mean every house needs R-49. Every home is different. We look at the existing Attic Insulation, the construction of the house the attic layout, ductwork and other factors before making a recommendation.

If you are already going to the trouble and expense of improving your Attic Insulation it makes sense to consider what level is going to provide the best long-term benefit. Will you have a return on your investment?

Do you have Ventilation?

Attic Ventilation is another important piece of the puzzle.

Your attic deals with an amount of heat especially during the summer. Proper Attic Ventilation is very important. It can help move air out of the attic and allow the space to breathe properly.

Attic Ventilation does not replace Attic Insulation and Attic Insulation does not replace Ventilation.

They have jobs.. When they are working together properly they can help create a better-performing attic.

How Attic Insulation does your home really have?

If you are not sure you are not alone. Most of us do not spend time looking at our Attic Insulation. It is way too hot there.

If your home is newer find out what R-value was actually installed.

If your home is older it is especially worth taking a look. Attic Insulation can settle over time. Older homes may have less Attic Insulation than what homeowners would choose today.. Do not assume that because you can see Attic Insulation you have enough.

The question is not whether you have Attic Insulation. The question is whether you have the amount of Attic Insulation for your home and the climate you are living in.

A comfortable Phoenix home starts above your ceiling.

At Koala Insulation of North and West Phoenix our goal is not to sell you the Attic Insulation possible. It is to look at your home explain what we are seeing and help you make a decision about what makes sense for your house and your budget.

If you are tired of certain rooms being hotter, than others your air conditioner running constantly or simply want to know whether your attic has Attic Insulation we would be happy to take a look.