As a Three Rivers, Texas, homeowner, you may not always think about your home’s insulation. You may even wonder whether insulation is necessary for a warm climate such as Texas. No matter where you live, home insulation is essential. Therefore, knowing your insulation’s R-value is important. Find out how to determine your R-value and why it matters for your home insulation.
What is an R-Value?
R-value refers to a material’s thermal resistance or how well the material prevents heat from passing through it. The higher the R-value, the greater the degree of thermal resistance compared to materials with a lower R-value.
Many homes have insulation in their attic, ceilings, ductwork and walls. All types of insulation carry specific R-values. You can increase your home’s thermal resistance and reduce energy waste by adding layers of insulation. As a result, you can also lower your energy bills.
What’s the Best R-Value for Your Home’s Insulation?
Every area of your home has an R-value necessary to create ideal insulation. Your home insulation’s R-value depends on the area of the country where you live. Since Three Rivers is in a warmer region of the United States, homeowners in the area would need attic insulation with an R-value minimum of R-38 and floor insulation with an R-value of R-13.
Does Your Insulation’s R-Value Affect Your HVAC System?
Finally, when you think about your HVAC system’s operating efficiency, don’t ignore the importance of the insulation in your home’s ductwork. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that in a typical home, a system loses approximately 20-30 percent of conditioned air that moves through ductwork because of poorly connected ducts or holes and leaks in ductwork.
Installing insulation with a high R-value can prevent the loss of conditioned air and improve your HVAC system’s operating efficiency. As a result, you’ll save money on your heating and cooling bills.
The R-value of your home’s insulation impacts your HVAC system’s effectiveness. To learn more ways you can improve your heating and air conditioning system’s functionality, call Bodine-Scott today at (361) 883-9900.
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