PANAMA CITY Blog

Do's & Don'ts of Insulation for Hot, Humid Climates|Koala Insulation o

Insulation is a major factor in keeping a home's internal temperature comfortable. The climate where you live can have a large effect on how much insulation is needed and in which parts of the building, so here are a few best practices for insulation installation in homes residing in warmer climates.

Do:

Insulate the attic.

Your roof is exposed to constant heat from the sun's rays, which can raise the overall temperature in the home and require more air conditioning. Insulation installation can be done underneath the roof deck with specialized barriers or spray foam to help keep heat from entering the home. Insulating the floor of the attic can help save money on energy, as well, keeping heat that builds up in the attic from entering living spaces.

Insulate openings.

Conditioned air can escape from the home through any open cracks. If the doors, windows, lighting, bathroom/kitchen vents, wiring or plumbing are poorly sealed, air will seep out and reduce your air conditioning efficiency. Air Sealing is a technique where an insulating material is installed around these openings to create a better seal, preserving your cooled air, and reducing strain on the AC.

Don't:

Replace every window.

Replacing a drafty window can help maximize your air conditioning and reduce energy usage. However, changing every window is an expensive endeavor, especially if the home has many of them. Instead of replacing every window to make sure you catch any possible leak, check each unit for proper insulation. By sealing the edges and only replacing those windows that have issues new seals can't fix—like cracked glass—you can achieve better AC economy while protecting your budget.

Over insulate the walls.

Warmer climates generally require less insulation due to warmer and more consistent outside temperatures, so adding too much insulation to your outside walls won't get you as big of a return on investment. If there are issues with leaks or moisture in your walls, over insulating may also provide more opportunities for fungus growth.

If you have damaged insulation or are looking to improve your energy efficiency, contact Koala Insulation of Panama City in Panama City, FL. This team has over 15 years of experience providing customers throughout the surrounding counties with insulation installation and replacement. They pride themselves on using top-notch materials at affordable costs. Call (850) 387-0130 to speak with a team member or visit the website for more information about their services.