Author: Foam Bear

4 Ways To Make An Older Home More Efficient

It’s never too late to give your home an energy-efficient upgrade. Eco-friendliness isn’t a fad that will go out of style and so the best time to practice sustainability is now. If you’re eager to get started, we have some of the best suggestions on ways to make an older home more efficient. When it comes time to upgrade your home’s insulation, be sure to reach out to Foam Bear Orlando!

Read more > 5 Reasons to Save Money In the Long Term By Investing In Spray Foam

1. Swap to Energy-Efficient LED Light Bulbs

One of the easiest and most impactful energy upgrades for any old home is the switch to LED lightbulbs. Older traditional light bulbs use more energy and don’t last nearly as long as LED bulbs, and they tend to be much warmer which doesn’t really help during hot Florida summers. LED bulbs give off less heat which can contribute to your air conditioner’s efficiency especially when paired with spray foam insulation that delivers high thermal properties.

2. Update Your Home Appliances to Modern Versions

There are plenty of things around the house that use up energy and spike your electric bill. One of the best things about living in 2024 (and beyond) is that there are plenty of energy-efficient appliances out there that do an excellent job of reducing energy usage in the home. If you live in an older house, there’s a good chance that you’re still using older appliances that were installed before these upgrades existed. You can see a huge difference in your energy usage by swapping to newer appliances with an Energy Star rating and installing spray foam insulation to create a healthy atmosphere for these machines to work as intended.

3. Identify and Close Up Exposed Air Leaks

The older the home, the more dingy it may be. Even houses with old-timey charm may have hidden faults lying underneath the surface, like scraped edges and torn corners that make way for air leaks into the building and welcome drafts that can drive up energy costs. This is the case with many older homes, but the problem can easily be remedied with spray foam insulation which can expand to close up these gaps.

4. Consider Smart Thermostats For Managing HVAC Use

A great solution to managing your HVAC use is investing in a smart thermostat that’s easy to control even when you’re not home. Instead of setting a number and leaving the house for the day, you can micromanage your settings with your smartphone to adjust as needed and save energy. But even if you go with one of the fancier options for a smart thermostat, it still won’t work as you expect it to if you don’t have proper insulation. Spray foam insulation can ensure that your home has the means to maintain any temp you set your thermostat to.

Learn more > Can My HVAC Be Failing Because of Poor Insulation?

Bottom Line: New Insulation Can Enhance These Upgrades

Have you noticed a pattern between all of these home energy upgrades? You need proper insulation for these strategies to promote the best results. Most older homes have batt and roll or cellulose which have a limited lifespan of around 15 years or so. Spray foam, on the other hand, insulates much better than these outdated materials and can last up to 80 years or longer. Between your spray foam options, closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value which means better thermal qualities.

Trust In Your Local Insulation Experts at Foam Bear Orlando!

Looking to retrofit your old home with spray foam insulation? Call Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free estimate on your next service! We carry top-tier spray foam products backed by expert installation for a comfortable home, old or not.

Do I Really Need To Remove Old Insulation Or Can I Just Add More?

When you hear about people removing their old insulation before installing new insulation, you might be asking yourself if that’s a requirement or more of a recommendation. It’s a little of both, and we’re here to tell you why. Find out why you shouldn’t be adding new insulation on top of your old set before reaching out to Foam Bear Tampa for all of your spray foam needs like insulation removal and spray foam installation!

The Possible Downsides to Covering Up Old Insulation

If you’re thinking about skipping a step and installing new insulation on top of your old layer, you’ll want to stop for a second and consider the downsides:

One of the main reasons why you shouldn’t pile on insulation is that if you’re looking to make an upgrade, different materials aren’t always compatible with each other. This means you would be wasting your new material on a surface that will hinder its potential by getting in the way of proper thermal protection.

Even if your new insulation is made up of the same stuff as your old insulation, layering new on top of old can lead to harmful detriments like trapping mold and mildew in your walls or roofing which can affect your lungs and skin. You may encounter respiratory problems or extreme itchiness if your skin is exposed to any floating particles.

Layering new and old insulation can also pose a fire hazard, especially when installed near heating appliances. Removing any traces of old and flammable insulation before installing new insulation can reduce the risk of materials catching on fire.

The Process of Removing Old Insulation

Many property owners skip insulation removal because they believe it takes up too much time and effort. While this may be true with DIY removal which can be unsafe when done incorrectly, the process is fast and simple when hiring a professional. Insulation experts will know how to perform the necessary safety precautions to remove and dispose of your old insulation hassle-free.

What About Spray Foam On Top of Spray Foam?

Not all old insulation is fiberglass. When we talk about old insulation, we’re talking about all materials including spray foam. It’s true that spray foam can last for 80 or more years when installed correctly. But when your spray foam has been poorly applied, you might think of adding more on top to compensate. This is where things can get complicated because spray foam can be used to touch up thin or incomplete areas, but it requires skill and precision.

Call a professional to inspect your current insulation and discuss the best approach. However, a good rule of thumb is that it’s almost always better to remove old insulation and start fresh no matter what to ensure the desired results and guaranteed longevity.

Need Help? Call Your Local Insulation Experts at Foam Bear Tampa!

Every home is different which is why our best advice is to call for an official inspection of your property to find the most efficient route for you. Call Foam Bear Tampa today at (727) 580-1090 to ask about our removal and vacuum services and see if it’s necessary for you before adding new insulation. We will gladly provide you with a free estimate before we get started on any projects.