What Does R-Value Mean For Your Comfort?

Understanding the terms used to describe insulation and construction materials can help you to make the most cost-effective and practical choices when remodeling or upgrading the heating and cooling system for your Jacksonville, NC, home. The U.S. Department of Energy offers information regarding preferred materials and recommended strategies for increasing the energy efficiency of your North Carolina residence.

What Is R-Value?

The R stands for resistance, specifically to heat transfer, and approximates the degree to which a particular material resists heat flow. Metal is an excellent conductor of heat and cold, which means that its R figure will be much lower than fiberglass, plastic and natural fiber insulators. By opting for insulating materials with a higher R rating, you can ensure the greatest protection from outdoor temperatures in our area. This can also reduce the amount of energy and effort needed to heat and cool your home or business.

Choosing the Right Insulating Materials

The experts at the US Department of Energy offer recommendations regarding the right ratings for various regions of the U.S. For homes in the Surf City area, the agency suggests the following ratings:

• For attics with little or no existing insulating barriers, R30 to R60 ratings are recommended.
• R25 to R38 insulating materials can be used in areas with existing protection.
• Floors in our area require R19 to R25 ratings to ensure the greatest possible protection against heat or cold filtering in from outside.

Higher values of R translate into increased protection and insulating power for your home. This can help you manage the costs of heating and cooling while ensuring greater comfort during every season of the year.

How the Right Insulation Can Enhance Indoor Comfort

Your heating and air conditioning systems work hard to keep temperatures at the range you set. Leaks, gaps and heat transfer through walls, ceilings and floors can reduce the efficiency of your furnace and air conditioning systems, making it more difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures indoors. Installing the right insulating materials can form a barrier between your living spaces and the outside air to lower stress on your HVAC equipment and to ensure that your home stays within the temperature range you and your family find most comfortable.

Enhancing the Efficiency of Your HVAC System

Installing an added layer of material can provide increased protection against winter’s chill and the heat of North Carolina’s summers. Making sure your ductwork is in good condition and has no major gaps or holes can help to boost the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. In some cases, replacing or sealing existing ductwork to improve airflow can reduce wear and tear on your current system and can provide you with added comfort indoors. Insulating your ducts can also promote the fast and efficient delivery of conditioned air to every part of your home.

Harnessing the R-Value Factor for Your Surf City Home

Enhancing the energy efficiency of your HVAC system can have significant benefits for you and your family. The right insulating materials and solutions can keep cold air inside during the summer and out during the winter. You can keep utility bills under control and stay more comfortable indoors throughout the year. Choosing the right products can help you to manage your budget more effectively while providing you with the reliable performance you need to enjoy absolute comfort in your North Carolina home or business.

As a Trane Comfort Specialist with more than 40 years of experience in the HVAC industry, Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning can provide you with the guidance and support you need to achieve greater HVAC and energy efficiency. We offer heating and cooling services designed to suit your needs and your budget. From full-scale replacement projects to beneficial maintenance agreements, Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning can deliver the solutions you need to enjoy absolute comfort. Call us at (910) 447-2905 to request an estimate or schedule service.