GRAND RAPIDS Blog

3 Ways Insulation Will Reduce Strain on Your HVAC System

An increase in heating and cooling costs is a common concern for many homeowners. Heat transfer and air loss through the building envelope forces HVAC equipment to drain more energy to regulate temperatures. Here are a few ways installing home insulation will prevent this problem. 

How Does Home Insulation Reduce Strain on HVAC Equipment?

1. Avoid AC Compressor Damage 

In Michigan, the minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating for air conditioning systems is 13. 

This ratio refers to the air conditioner's cooling output over a cooling season divided by the amount of energy used to run the system. If you don't have adequate home insulation, heat will seep into your home from the attic. This forces the unit to run below its SEER rating. The air conditioner will continuously cycle as a result. 

Constant cycling reduces pressure in the evaporator coil to the point it freezes. When this happens, refrigerant will fill the compressor and cause it to break down. When you have attic insulation to prevent heat transfer through the roof, your air conditioner will run at its SEER rating to prevent constant cycling. 

2. Prevent Blower Motor Problems

Insulation will protect your furnace during fall and winter. Installed in floors, walls, and ceilings, the material stops heat loss, so the furnace doesn't have to continuously run to reach the target temperature. If your home is lacking insulation, the furnace will never stop running. This can cause premature wear and tear to the blower motor. If the blower motor isn't working correctly, the entire furnace could overheat and shut down. 

3. Reduce Energy Consumption

When your air conditioning system cycles continuously, it consumes more electricity. A furnace that runs non-stop will consume more fuel as a result, too. The increase in energy consumption causes an increase in heating and cooling costs. Home insulation installation will save you money in the long run by reducing energy drain on your HVAC equipment.  

For insulation installation, contact the team at Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids, MI. Since 2018, the insulation contractors at Koala have been a dependable source for fiberglass, cellulose and spray foam, and additional energy-saving solutions to help homeowners in West Michigan reduce heating and cooling costs, while maintaining interior comfort. Read favorable reviews on the company's website and Facebook page, and call (616) 333-6667 for a free insulation service estimate.