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Can My HVAC Be Failing Because Of Poor Insulation?

Nothing is worse than investing in a brand-new air conditioning unit just to have the same problems as before. If you’re wondering why your efforts are going to waste, you might want to look into the quality of your insulation. Poor insulation affecting an HVAC system’s performance is a common issue, but not one that many homeowners know about. Thankfully, your friendly team at Foam Bear Orlando is here to show you the way to maximum energy efficiency!

Your Air Conditioner Could Be At Risk

If you just bought a new AC unit and you’re still having issues keeping your house cool during the grueling Florida summers, you’re probably thinking that your HVAC company jipped you. Before you go calling for a refund, you should know that it’s probably not your air conditioner, but your insulation.

Where Is My Cold Air Going?

An air conditioner’s sole purpose is to produce cold air when it gets too hot. It’s entirely possible for your AC to do its job wonderfully, only to have its hard work go to waste next to poor insulation. This is because bad or outdated insulation can open up gaps in your walls and ceiling, leaving just enough space for your conditioned air to escape. This is especially common with old fiberglass insulation or cellulose that has settled over time. Your insulation needs to have effective air-sealing properties for your air conditioner to provide the results you want.

Can Poor Insulation Break My New Air Conditioner?

Unfortunately, bad insulation can absolutely wear out your fancy new air conditioner. If conditioned air is escaping through your insulation, your AC unit will activate more times throughout the day to try and catch up or overcompensate. The more times your AC kicks on, the faster you’re wearing it out. The lifespan of your brand-new HVAC system can easily diminish by a few years the longer you hang on to your bad insulation.

Learn more > How Does Insulation Affect My Home’s Cooling System?

Need New Insulation? Spray Foam Is Your Best Bet

What is it about spray foam that makes it the perfect pair for air conditioning? The most important trait is its air-sealing capabilities by expanding upon application. By eliminating any chances for conditioned air to escape, your home will contain any cool air and keep the environment at your ideal temperature for much longer. In turn, your AC will activate fewer times throughout the day which can preserve its intended lifespan.

The sealing qualities of spray foam come with additional benefits:

  • Cleaner indoor air quality
  • Reduced chances of moisture damage
  • Increased structural integrity
  • Less pest activity
  • Dampened outdoor noises

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is the decreased energy bills. By helping your air conditioner work at optimal capacity, you will save money from reduced energy usage!

Tips For Keeping An Eye On Your HVAC System

The best thing you can do for your home is upgrade its insulation. The next best thing you can do is prevent damage and repairs with regular inspections for both your AC unit and your insulation.

If you currently have fiberglass, you’ll notice a drastic difference after switching to spray foam. Have your local professionals check for air leaks beforehand to ensure that your home won’t lose any conditioned air. After that, treat your AC unit with care by staying on top of needed maintenance and repairs. Spray foam can typically stay at its peak for decades without maintenance, but an inspection every couple of years won’t hurt.

Learn more > Is It Worth It to Upgrade From Fiberglass to Spray Foam Insulation?

Protect Your HVAC With Premium Spray Foam Insulation

Get the most out of your AC unit by upgrading your insulation to ensure peak efficiency. If funds are tight after buying your new AC, Foam Bear Orlando is here to help you out with flexible financing options for your new spray foam insulation! Give us a call at (727) 580-1090 to get started on a free estimate.

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Bad Insulation vs. A Bad HVAC – How To Tell The Difference

You know your indoor temperatures aren’t where they should be, but you don’t know if it’s your insulation or your HVAC. This is a common problem that we get a lot, so don’t fret! Your reliable team of professionals at Foam Bear Tampa is here to show you how to tell the differences in the signs so you know what exactly needs fixing.

How Bad Insulation or a Bad HVAC Can Affect Your Home

When the house doesn’t stay cool, people tend to assume it’s their air conditioner’s fault. Your AC is responsible for producing cold air, after all. However, you could have a perfectly fine HVAC system and still have issues with your insulation not keeping the cold air in. In other cases, it’s the exact opposite. Either way, you’re dealing with high monthly expenses on energy usage among other things. That being said, let’s get to the bottom of your dilemma so we can put this issue to rest once and for all!

Signs of a Bad Air Conditioning System

If you just put in new insulation but you’re still dealing with uncomfortable temperatures, there’s a good chance your AC needs to be either fixed or replaced. The signs pointing down this road are often pretty obvious once you know where to look. Many of the signs will stem right from the source:

  • Abnormal sounds: If you hear loud grinding, rattling, or groaning sounds, it’s most likely a problem with your AC since your insulation doesn’t make noise.
  • Over-activity: Your AC should only be activating as needed throughout the day. If it seems to be kicking on nearly every hour of the day, that’s not normal.
  • Smells or puddles: Take a look around your AC unit. If you notice any strange smells or see any puddles around the unit, those are clear indicators that warrant a professional inspection and possibly a repair.
  • Air production: Next time your AC turns on, get close to the vent and feel around. If the airflow is weak, or if the air feels warm when it should be cool, then some repairs may be in order.

How to Tell If It’s Your Insulation

If your AC seems to be running fine, your insulation is the next biggest thing that affects your home’s cooling system. They both result in extreme temperatures, but insulation problems are a bit more specific. Issues with insulation typically involve outside air causing problems indoors, such as:

  • Spontaneous drafts
  • Condensation
  • Pest activity
  • Outside noises
  • Wall discoloration

Bonus tip:

Your walls might feel hot or cold to the touch, depending on the season. This is another clear indicator that your insulation is the problem since your AC doesn’t affect your walls. Homeowners often use this as an easy way to test for signs.

I Found the Cause…Now What?

Once you’re able to identify the source of your home’s inability to maintain ideal temperatures, it’s time to call the experts. Even if you’re still not 100% sure what the cause is, having your home inspected is a good way to find out. If your AC is the problem, you could call your local air conditioning company, or some plumbers include HVAC repair in their services. If it’s your insulation, the best course of action would be to get it replaced.

Upgrading to spray foam insulation can solve your AC problem while offering additional benefits like a quieter home, a pest-free environment, and the prevention of allergy symptoms. Just make sure to hire qualified professionals like your trusted team at Foam Bear!

Reach Out to Your Local Insulation Professionals at Foam Bear!

Having trouble maintaining the right atmosphere in your home? Foam Bear Tampa can help you out with expert installation for your premium spray foam insulation! Call our friendly team at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free quote.