SOUTH MIAMI Blog

How to counteract rising utility bills

Domestic natural-gas prices reached the highest level in years this winter and resulted in utility bills 20-50% higher compared to the year before. Due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, they are likely to persist at this increased level for a while. With Florida being the third biggest energy consumer among the US states, South Miami residents are likely to feel the hit of high electricity costs this summer and would be well advised to insulate their home now.

How does insulation lower my electricity bill?

The main job of insulation is thermal regulation; meaning that it will keep the temperature in your attic and your home at a decent level no matter how much the South Miami heat burns down on your roof. Insulation slows down the heat transfer from the sun on your roof - a type of heat flow called conduction where heat moves through materials - and also keeps the warm air from flowing into cooler areas (like your air-conditioned living space) which it would usually do to to level out any temperature differences. This air flow can happen through walls, floors and ceilings which is why it is important to limit it as much as possible. 

By limiting that air flow, insulation prevents heat from entering your living space and supports your A/C in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. Your A/C will therefore have to run less time which will not only result in a longer life duration of the unit but will most importantly lower your electricity bill. You might think that the difference in cost can’t be that big but actually the average household saves over 15% on their monthly energy bill which makes the insulation pay for itself. 

Do I need insulation?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is that the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) estimates that 90% of single-family homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Chances are high that your house could use some work, especially (but not at all exclusively!) if it was built prior to 1965. Unfortunately, insulation often gets forgotten about since it is “out of sight, out of mind”. While most insulation materials have a relatively long life span and don’t significantly degrade until about 15 years, it’s not a common practice for homeowners to regularly check the state of their insulation which means that problems like moisture exposure, pest infestation, and uneven coverage go unnoticed and lead to an earlier deterioration rate.

What kind of insulation do I need and how much of it?

There are many kinds of insulation and they all have their different benefits. Here at Koala Insulation of South Miami, we offer the three most popular and most efficient types: Batt Insulation, Fiberglass or Cellulose Blown-In Insulation and Spray Foam Insulation. While it might seem like a good idea to just go to Home Depot and grab a can of foam insulation, professionally insulating your attic is not an easy job if you actually want to achieve proper effectiveness and efficiency. That’s why it is recommended that you let an experienced expert do the work for you. 

An important keyword when thinking about how much insulation you need is the R-value. The R-value measures a material’s resistance to air/heat flow and therefore the effectiveness of your insulation. Depending on the area you live in, you need a different R-value to achieve optimal protection against the outside weather conditions. For South Florida, this value is pretty high but the amount of insulation you need does not only depend on the area but also on your home’s specific requirements which is why it’s important to consult with your local insulation expert from Koala Insulation of South Miami. We can help you determine how much insulation you actually need to fight off the heat. 

Air Sealing - the perfect add-on to lower your energy bill

Insulation and air sealing go hand in hand. While insulation’s main purpose is to slow heat transfer, air sealing is used to prevent air leaking from larger openings and is very efficient in fighting the Florida humidity. Neglecting cracks and crevices in your attic is the equivalent of leaving your doors and windows open; it not only allows expensively conditioned air to leave your home, but also lets outdoor pollutants enter your home. Overall, air sealing is the perfect add-on when installing insulation and will help keep your energy bills low.

Conclusion

Especially in the times we’re living in right now, it is important to establish a certain level of independence from constantly inflating prices. Insulation and air sealing will help you lower your energy bills and therefore become slightly less dependent on the resources that are currently becoming more scarce and expensive, no matter how the political situation across the world develops.

Contact us today to get a free insulation evaluation.