Getting Ready For the Hot Summer. Insulation Will Keep the Cool Air In

June 26, 2016

Most homeowners, especially in the northern climes, associate insulation with keeping the home warm and comfortable during the winter. At the same time, there's not much focus given to home insulation that keeps things nice and cool in the summer. In fact, when it comes to residential air conditioning, there's much to say for a home that is well sealed and well insulated. When a home effectively retains the cool air provided by the air conditioning unit, indoor comfort levels are maintained. And retaining that cool air (while keeping warm air outside) comes from a home that is well sealed and properly insulated. In short, cool air does not leak out and warm air does not come in. The result - the HVAC system performs with much better efficiency. Homes that are not properly sealed allow air to leak. In winter it's heated air and in summer it's cooled air - but in both cases energy is being wasted, and utility bills are overly high. Air leakage can also contribute to inconsistent temperatures from room to room. And here, it's wise to have the home professionally evaluated for air leakage, as well as possible remedy solutions. Today, many home improvement centres promote DIY solutions for insulation matters. While this approach might be money saving for a homeowner, a professional approach is much more preferable. This applies equally to checking for air leaks, removing aging insulation, or installing new insulation. As it is, the professionals have the equipment and expertise to do it right. Beyond sealing, it's inadequate insulation (or poorly installed insulation) that will cause a home to be energy inefficient. The HVAC system will run longer than need be to heat and cool the home, and utility bills will therefore be higher than need be. On the flip side, high quality insulation will ensure that the HVAC system operates at peak, saving money on heating and cooling bills. Generally speaking, insulation with higher R-Value will do a better job keeping cooled air inside, and keeping warmer air outside. This is particularly true when high R-Value is installed in attics and roofs. But it can also make a difference when basements and garages are well insulated. The idea, of course, is to create an effective air barrier that performs well in winter and summer. A sealed home also requires appropriate ventilation. When a home is well ventilated, the building envelope is allowed to breathe, providing much required air circulation. This has a positive effect on the consistency of indoor temperatures throughout the year, and again, allows for balanced performance of the HVAC system. This dynamic also contributes to better energy usage. At Great Northern Insulation, winter and summer comfort is about getting the home effectively sealed, suitably insulated, and properly ventilated. GNI professionals do it all - from home energy assessments, to insulation removal, to re-installation. GNI assures full customer satisfaction, with the highest quality insulation products, superior workmanship, and sound warranties.