How Attic Insulation Can Help You Meet Your Energy Conservation Goals

Understanding Heat Transfer

The three mechanisms of heat transfer are conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction involves the transfer of heat through a solid material. On hot summer days in Jacksonville, heat enters your home through the windows, walls and roof.

Radiation, on the other hand, involves the transfer of heat in the form of visible and non-visible light. Sunlight is the main source of radiation and external heat. Your home’s windows can cause infrared radiation from hot outdoor objects to radiate into your home. Different types of window treatments can help block this added heat.

Convection is another way for the heat from your ceiling and walls to affect you. Hot air rises naturally. As it does, it carries heat away from your walls and causes it to circulate in your home. The most common insulation materials work to slow convective and conductive heat flow.

No matter the mechanism, heat moves from warmer to cooler spaces. In winter, heat escapes your heated living spaces into unheated attics and garages. Heat can also escape indirectly through interior walls, floors, and ceilings, or wherever there’s a temperature difference. During the cooling season, outdoor heat tries to move inside. To maintain comfort in your home, you must replace the heat lost by using your heating system in winter and remove the heat gained by using your air conditioner.

Understanding R-Values

Properly insulating your attic will decrease heat flow, helping to reduce heat loss and heat gain. An R-Value measures an insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow. The higher the rating, the more effective the insulation. The Value depends on the type of insulation as well as its thickness and density.

The amount of insulation or R-value you’ll need depends on your climate, type of HVAC system, and the part of the home you’ll insulate. In Jacksonville, you should aim to insulate your attic with insulation rated between R30 and R60.

Need professional help insulating your attic and improving HVAC efficiency this year? Contact Cool Connections, Inc. to learn more about the benefits of insulation or to schedule an installation.

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