Does it feel like your home isn’t staying cool even though your air conditioner is blowing cold air? This can be a particular concern in South Florida, and there are a variety of factors that affect your home’s temperature. It’s important to understand those factors that might be at play in your home.
Insulation is Key
High-quality attic insulation is very important to keeping your home temperature where it’s supposed to be. The right amount of insulation will ensure the temperature in your home stays cool when the South Florida sun is beating down on your roof for the majority of the year. Also, any cracks around doors and windows that aren’t properly caulked will leak cool air, making your unit work harder and longer to maintain the set temperature. Fill any cracks and replace the weatherstrip foam if necessary.
Today’s insulation meets (or exceeds) federal code. If your home is 30 years old or older, it’s a good idea to consider adding new insulation in your attic. Like most things, it becomes less efficient over time, so replacing or adding new insulation will have a noticeable impact on your home’s ability to maintain a constant temperature.
Windows Matter
In addition to ensuring any cracks around windows are filled, the type of window you have makes a big difference in your home’s efficiency. Some studies have shown that windows and properly sealed doors can account for nearly 20% of the total cool loss. Essentially, this means that if you upgrade your windows and re-seal your doors, your air conditioning system could be as much as 20% more efficient—a fairly significant amount. With any big home purchase, do your homework and research the best windows for your needs. Whichever windows you decide on, be sure that they have the federal Energy Star rating. Immediately following installation, you’ll notice a decrease in your energy bills and increased comfort in your home temperature.
HVAC Efficiency is Vital
Along with insulation and upgraded windows, an efficient heating and cooling system will ensure that your home maintains a comfortable temperature. As technology advances, the minimum SEER rating (efficiency rating) gets higher. For example, in 2015 the minimum SEER rating in Florida was 13. Today, it’s 14 with proposals to raise it to 16 in the near future. The higher the number, the more efficient the system; there are some manufacturers who are selling units with a SEER as high as 23. If your unit is older and not doing as well a job at cooling your home, efficiency and the SEER rating are important considerations when upgrading.
Learn More About Improving Efficiency
If you have any questions concerning making your home as efficient as possible through proper air conditioning and insulation, contact our experts at American Air Cares today.
