SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Blog

How to Improve Temperature Regulation in Southwest Florida Homes

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. While many of the first signs of deteriorating temperature regulation are easy to spot, many homeowners aren't familiar with the issues or their solutions to take action before further damage is done. It's, unfortunately, a common habit to suffer through minor discomforts until they turn into a larger problem, which can cost you exponentially in the long run.

Regularly inspecting and updating your home's insulation and air sealing can solve many of these small issues before they turn into hard-hitting problems. Have you noticed any of the following:

• One room or side of the house isn’t as warm or cold as the rest of your home.
• The house struggles to stay warm in the winter or cool in the summer.
• Your indoor air quality has been deteriorating to the point where you’re having allergy-like symptoms or respiratory irritation.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, no matter how small, it’s time to start making a few changes. Our team of industry experts at Koala Insulation of Southwest Florida has put together a basic breakdown of temperature regulation and easy ways to improve the flow of air and heat through your home.

What is Temperature Regulation?

Temperature regulation is the ability to keep a building comfortable and evenly heated or cooled throughout the year. Essentially, when you plug in the desired temperature into your thermostat, a temperature-regulated home will be able to keep that temperature evenly without needing to constantly kick on the HVAC unit.

There are a lot of factors that go into keeping your home temperature regulated. If you see your system struggling, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re in need of a new AC unit or furnace. Problems with your insulation, air sealing, and even the vents and inner system of the unit could be holding your home back. When struggling with temperature control, here are four adjustments you can make before winter hits your home.

4 Ways to Help Regulate Temperature

•  Air Ducts

The air ducts and connecting vents in your home contribute to improving indoor air quality, reducing health risks, and effectively moving heat and cooled air through the house. When you first moved in, did you consciously notice where the heating vents were and what your furniture may be covering? This is a common mistake made by first-time homebuyers, but it's not unheard of for even veteran homeowners to forget about where they're moving couches, bed frames, and even storage boxes. Blocking the air vents can not only disrupt effective airflow, but also allow dust, dirt, and other debris to pile up in the ducts.

In many cases, you can simply shift around your furniture and vacuum out the problematic vents to collect most of the blockage. Once you've cleaned and readjusted the air vents, a local handyman or heating and cooling company can provide a more detailed explanation of the quality of your home's vent system. However, in a worst-case scenario, you'll need to consult a professional to inspect the system for damaged ducts that will require a more thorough cleaning; this is often the case for older homes that may not have been well maintained by previous owners.

•  Air Sealing

It’s estimated by the EPA that homeowners can save upwards of 15% on heating and cooling bills after their insulation and air sealing has been updated. Air sealing a home means finding the gaps, cracks, and other problematic outdoor openings around the house and filling or repairing the damage. This prevents air leaks, which can lead to drafts, uncomfortable irregular temperatures, and increased utility bill costs.

The most common areas you'll find air sealing problems are around your windows, doors, and other outdoor access points. Typically, these structures only need to be entirely replaced in cases of extreme wear - for example, if your home hasn't been renovated since before 1990 or if it wasn't properly inspected and treated after a natural disaster. In most cases, however, the reduced air quality and air leakage are attributed to small, easily fillable windowsills or door jamb cracks.

•  Retrofit Insulation

Insulation in your home significantly contributes to regulating temperature throughout your home, which is the material’s primary function. You’re most likely already familiar with the insulation located in your attic - but did you know the material can be found throughout your walls, ceilings, and around your basement or crawl spaces? The quality of the material in these areas can be more difficult to deduce. With the help of an industry expert, evaluating the current state of your home’s insulation can greatly impact how well your home reduces the rate of heat transfer.

Retrofitting insulation is the assessment of your current material, locating pain points, and replacing material in target areas to improve quality. This can include adding insulation to poorly covered areas or removing deteriorated material and entirely re-insulating the section. While many insulation types are produced to last up to 15 years, there are a number of variables that can affect the rate of deterioration; moisture, pest infestation, and natural damage are a few of the most common causes. By removing and replacing the old or damaged insulation, your home is better able to keep the rooms evenly heated and cooled.

•  Smart Thermostats

While there are many other minor adjustments you can make to improve temperature regulation throughout your home, our last suggestion is also a great return on investment opportunity. A smart thermostat significantly changes the way your home is heated and cooled, not only saving you money but also improving your energy efficiency. With a smart thermostat, you have the ability to:

• Schedule temperature adjustments
• Control your home’s temperature directly from your phone, even when you’re away from the house
• Adjust the changes in temperature to improve energy efficiency based on device feedback

If you or someone in your household isn't especially confident in using smart devices, these systems often provide easy-to-navigate suggestions and data to improve your quality of life. For many systems, the user interface is adjustable in order to cater to every level of expertise, with the default view and controls most often set up for beginners.

Tackle Temperature Regulation in Southwest Florida

Temperature regulation is crucial for keeping your home safe and comfortable throughout the year. As a homeowner, you may have recognized a few signs of poor temperature regulation without knowing there's a simple solution to the issue. Especially for first-time home buyers, it's a common habit to suffer through minor discomforts until a larger problem presents itself. However, when it comes to insulation and air sealing, waiting too long can increase costs over time.

Our team at Koala Insulation of Southwest Florida understands that certain routines can fall to the wayside. When something as simple as misplaced furniture can prevent proper temperature regulation, it can start to feel overwhelming for some homeowners. Our industry experts are here to help you get a better understanding of your home's current condition and improve the regulated temperature in the easiest ways possible. Contact us today to learn more about insulation's impact on your house and schedule a free evaluation!