R-Value: What It Is, and Which Is Right for You

Homeowners should have a basic understanding of R-Value, whether they're looking to add new insulation to the ducts in their home or replace them altogether. R-Value, along with several other components, goes a long way in determining the overall comfort level of a home. Understanding the basics of R-Value (and working with the right HVAC contractor) increases homeowners' chances of reaching the optimal comfort level for their home.

What It Is Essentially, R-Value measures the efficiency of insulation in resisting heat flow. When ac service leesburg companies describe the R-Value of a unit's ductwork, they're actually referring to the insulation surrounding the ducts and how efficient it is at preventing heat from escaping or entering the ducts.

Homeowners should note that ducts don't require R-Values to be at the level of walls, ceilings, or roofs, since they're inside an already insulated space; the insulation and drywall within the home already does a lot to restrict heat loss. However, due to condensation that can potentially form over metal ducts during summer and wintertime, the ducts require insulation in order to maintain consistent efficiency when cooling and heating a place of residence.

What R-Value is Proper in Florida?

As residents of the state know, Florida never gets very cold. This means that homeowners don't need duct insulation with an R-Value as high as they would if they lived farther north. In most cases, R-4 and R-8 works just fine for ducts inside the insulated parts of the home. If the homeowner has any ducts in an unfinished or uninsulated basement, no insulation up to an R-4 would do the trick.

How About Other Places?

If the homeowner decides to move up north one day, they'll need to adjust their understanding of R-Values accordingly. Climates with milder winters will require the same R-4 to R-8 as in Florida, though all basement ducts will likely require to be insulated with a minimum of R-2. If the move is further north where the winters tend to be particularly harsh, residents tend to increase their duct insulation to a dense R-11. Conversely, going anywhere below R-6 in these areas may lead to heat loss.

An Essential Consideration

Homeowners need to take the R-Value in mind when configuring their HVAC system. The R-Value of the homeowner's ducts is key to keeping the home cooled and heated to exact specifications. Should the HVAC system appear to be in top form, but the results aren't as good as they could be, the problem might be sourced from the R-Value. If the homeowner requires new ducts or installation, they're advised to call their preferred Leesburg air conditioning company and arrange for a service call.