Maximizing Home Comfort and Energy Efficiency: How Insulation Works During Summer and Winter

Although insulation’s claim to fame is keeping your home warm during the winter time, what some people don’t know is that insulation is rather beneficial during the summer season as well. The same principles that help our house stay warm in the winter are also what help our houses stay cool in the summer.

During hot summer days, the sun’s rays radiate into our houses the strongest and heat up our roof and walls. This sweltering heat enters the home and causes things to become quite warm and uncomfortable.

The temperature in our houses, particularly in the attic, can rise up to nearly 170 degrees on a hot day. As a solution to beat the heat, homeowners will then run the air conditioning system all day to cool their house down. And we all know that air conditioning entails cost.

So, a better solution to this problem would be to reduce the heat load and block the heat from entering your home.

Installing insulation can effectively prevent your home from overheating. This will also prevent you from spending so much money on energy costs in keeping your house temperature regulated for your comfort.

When your house is properly insulated, it will stay cooler longer into the day. Also, the air conditioning will run much less often. So, energy consumption will be much lower.

To under­stand how and why insu­la­tion works well in both warm and cold weather, let’s take a look at how insu­la­tion actu­ally works.

How Does Insulation Work?

Insulation is a thermally resistant barrier that prevents heat flow. It limits the movement of thermal energy around the house. Basically, it works by blocking the heat from coming into the house during summer and keeps the heat within the house during winter.

Insulation makes it possible to have a cooler home in the summer and a warmer home in the winter. And consequently, lower energy bills!

Insulation types like fiberglass and exterior wall insulation block heat flow by holding small air bubbles within the material. It prevents heat from transferring across the insulation materials forming the barrier.

The air pockets have good insulation properties because the air is unable to move around.

It doesn’t mat­ter if it is warmer out­side than inside, or colder out­side because the warm air is not going to travel across that bar­rier. However, fiberglass insulation, for instance, isn’t always leak-proof. So, air could still get in or out.

On the other hand, foil insulation can also provide insulation by using a different mechanism.

The reflective surface of the soil functions as an insulation by deflecting the heat back to the source and preventing it from getting into the rest of your home. Ideally, it is useful for spaces outside the home, such as the loft or rooftop, or in combination with bulk insulation.

How Does Insulation Work in Summer?

Insulation can hold cold air inside your home during the summer by keeping the hot air out and preventing your home from overheating. Insulation allows you to save on AC costs during the summer with the help of solid wall insulation, which limits twice as much heat from getting through as a standard cavity wall does.

So, What’s The Best Insulation For My Home This Summer?

Each type of insulation functions to achieve a level of energy efficiency by helping to slow the movement of the airflow and retain heat. Some are more effective than others, depending on your space and needs.

There are plenty of options in the market so that you can make the best choice for your home, such as:

• Fiberglass batt insulation
• Spray foam insulation
• Cellulose insulation

A professional like Star  Spray Foam can help to break down the benefits and potential drawbacks of each insulation type based on your home’s specific needs.

How Do I Prevent My Home From Overheating in the Summer?

Experts recommend air sealing and insulation. Air sealing ensures that hot or cold air does not go in and out of your home, keeping the temperature in your home regulated.

Increasing insulation is recommended in a variety of places, such as:

• Areas that lack insulation
• Areas with poorly installed insulation
• Areas without thick enough insulation
• Exterior walls or floors over unheated spaces

What Are The Different Types Of Home Insulation?

• Roof Insulation

Roof insulation is a material or system used to reduce heat transfer through the roof of a building. It helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature by keeping heat out in the summer and retaining heat in the winter. This can lead to energy savings by reducing the need for heating and cooling. Common types of roof insulation include fiberglass batts, foam boards, spray foam, and reflective barriers. Effective roof insulation improves energy efficiency, reduces utility costs, and enhances overall comfort within the building.

• Ceiling Insulation

Adding or enhancing insulation in the ceiling provides temperature and sound control.

• Wall and Floor Insulation

It helps in keeping the temperature throughout your home at a comfortable level.

• Attic Insulation

Insulating and sealing the attic properly is one of the best ways to ensure that hot or cold air won’t get in your house. When the air inside your home gets heated, it rises and escapes through the gaps in the attic. So, insulating your attic can also save you a lot of money on energy bills any season.

Related: Is an Attic Insulation Worth It?

• Duct Insulation

Insulating and sealing ductwork also helps in controlling the temperature and minimizing energy consumption. In most houses, uninsulated ducts are in the basement, attic, or crawl spaces.

• Crawl Space Insulation

When crawl spaces are not properly sealed and insulated, damp air finds its way into your home. Over time, this can create a damp environment that ruins air quality and brings discomfort. It also encourages mold growth or wood rot due to moisture entry.

• Some Notes On Home Insulation

Insulating the key areas of your home creates a barrier that prevents heat from entering your house on a hot, humid day. But homeowners should also realize that it is also important to air seal their homes as well for achieving optimal energy efficiency in their home.

All areas must be properly insulated, even the attic, to improve the energy performance of your home. Because when one part of the home is changed or improved, the effects can be noticed throughout.

Insulation Is More Than a One Season Solution to Your Home Comfort

It requires a lot of energy (and money!) to heat or cool your home. This is why insulation is a good investment in dealing with the conditions that could arise from a leaky home.

Whether it’s summer or winter, insulation works well in both seasons in keeping your home’s temperature regulated for your comfort. Insulation helps you achieve energy efficiency and comfortable house temperature.

Star Spray Foam is the Expert in Insulation

Star Spray Foam takes insulation seriously. They are committed to providing top quality installation. Their insulation experts are reliable in recommending the type of insulation that would be the best choice for each individual application. With their expertise and guidance, the most cost-effective home improvements can be achieved.

More From Star Spray Foam

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How Much Does it Cost to Insulate an Entire House?

Star Spray Foam insulation is proud to provide affordable, efficient insulation services to the community of New Orleans. We have built a reputation in the NOLA area for efficient, high-quality insulation at an affordable cost.

We use quality materials to maximize the amount of heat retained inside your home – and we install them for you hassle-free. Contact us now!