SOUTH MIAMI Blog

Beat the South Florida Heat With Proper Insulation

Who knew having a vacation spot as your home could have its downsides. Living in Florida can feel like paradise. Sunny skies greet us nearly every day and provide us with the perfect weather to enjoy a day at the pool or beach. However, the Sunshine State does get a little too sunny at times. With temperatures rising into the triple digits and humidity levels increasing as the seasons get warmer, your home faces an overload of heat throughout the day and even into the night. With so much heat and UV radiation bearing down on the roof and through the windows, it’s a safe bet that your home isn’t always as comfortable as you would like. Staying cool this summer doesn't necessarily mean you have to pay a fortune to keep the air-conditioning running day and night.
 

Importance of Temperature Regulation

Temperature regulation is the ability to keep a building comfortable and evenly heated or cooled throughout the year. Essentially, when you type the desired temperature into your thermostat, a temperature-regulated home will be able to keep that temperature evenly without needing to constantly turn on the HVAC unit. Having proper temperature regulation in your home is very important to ensure that it stays a safe and comfortable environment for you and your household. The temperature in your attic can reach 150 degrees on a hot summer day, a situation that, if left unchecked, can drive up cooling costs by as much as 40 percent. Most homeowners in South Florida rely on the ups and downs of their thermostats to regulate their indoor home temperatures. The fact is, there are many issues to consider when keeping the home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter).

Often overlooked, insulation in the attic is a huge factor in regulating both indoor comfort and energy efficiency. Homeowners considering upgrades to attic insulation in the sunshine state will likely notice immediate improvements throughout the home. But did you know there are many other tips you can follow to regulate the temperature in your home besides insulation. Oftentimes the biggest culprit in a comfortable and energy efficient home are the smallest cracks and crevices in your infrastructure that allow air from outside to find its way in, while your air-conditioned air leaks out. Reduce this air leakage by air sealing your home. This will help restore your comfort, keeping the warm air out of your home. Air sealing also helps prevent moisture from entering the home and causing your family respiratory problems. You can seal your home with caulk and weather stripping or get help from a professional.
 

Attic Insulation for Temperature Regulation

While there are a number of options for better regulating indoor temperatures, upgrading attic insulation is really the most effective approach in any home. Improving attic insulation will provide the most noticeable results during winter and summer. Attic insulation blocks the transfer of heat trying to enter and leave your home. Because R-value needs vary by state, it’s recommended that Florida homeowners place R30 to R60 insulation in their uninsulated attic. Those living close to Miami can choose R30 to R49 insulation.

When attics heat up under blistering summer sun, AC costs go up as well- and without enough insulation and venting they can skyrocket. When it’s 90 degrees outside, for example, the AC system has to create only a 20-degree drop on a downstairs wall. But on a ceiling where temps can reach 140 degrees in the attic above, the AC has to create a 70-degree drop and run longer to do it. Once attic insulation has been properly upgraded or installed, the HVAC system operates more efficiently and indoor temperatures are better regulated. Overall, energy efficiency is improved throughout the home, energy consumption is reduced, and there are dollar savings every season.