If you’re reading this blog, you may already suspect that something’s amiss in your Tampa home. Perhaps your energy bills have skyrocketed or your AC never stops running. While these problems can point to an HVAC issue, they’re also common signs that you’ve got inadequate insulation.
So, does your home need more insulation?
Let’s take a closer look.
How Do I Know If My Home Has Enough Insulation?
One of the most important materials in your home, insulation keeps your home energy-efficient, dry and comfortable. By keeping cool air in and preventing heat transfer, insulation reduces your energy bills. Proper insulation also keeps Florida humidity outdoors where it belongs, preventing mold growth inside your walls.
When assessing your home’s insulation levels, there are key signs to look out for, including an unexplainable increase in your energy bills; uneven indoor temperatures; hot walls, floors and ceilings; drafts; frequent AC cycling; and persistent mold growth.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, Installed Building Products of Tampa will perform a home insulation inspection to determine your precise insulation needs.
What Are the Signs That My Home Needs More Insulation?
High Energy Bills
When your home is inadequately insulated in Tampa, outside heat can easily seep in, making your AC work harder to cool the rooms down. Upgrading your insulation provides a hefty block against the heat, keeping cool air in and lowering your energy costs.
Uneven Indoor Temperatures
When some rooms are hot while others stay cool, insulation may be insufficient in certain areas. Upgrading your insulation to include proper attic and wall insulation keeps drafts away while allowing your HVAC to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Hot Walls, Floors or Ceilings
Without adequate home insulation, Florida’s heat is intense enough to warm your walls and ceilings during the summer months. A simple touch test should indicate if outside heat is penetrating through your drywall and flooring.
Drafts & Air Leaks
Air gaps in poorly insulated homes allow hot air to enter and cold air to escape. IBP of Tampa properly installs spray foam insulation to seal air leaks effectively and prevent costly temperature fluctuations and drafts.
Frequent AC Cycling
If your HVAC system turns on and off constantly, it may be struggling to cool your home due to poor insulation. IBP of Tampa will identify your precise insulation issues and provide proper insulation to stop energy leaks and reduce strain on your AC.
Moisture Issues or Mold Growth
Without proper insulation in Tampa, humidity and moisture can collect inside walls, leading to mold problems. Fortunately, spray foam insulation creates a moisture barrier as well as a temperature insulator.
How Much Insulation Does a Florida Home Need? (Understanding R-Value)
R-value is a rating system for insulation that measures thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation material. To determine R-value, the type, thickness and density of insulation is considered.
IBP of Tampa provides expert insulation installation to ensure homes meet the proper R-value requirements. For Florida homes, the recommended R-values are as follows:
- Attic insulation: R-30 to R-49
- Wall insulation: R-13 to R-15
- Floor insulation: R-13 to R-19
What Are the Best Insulation Options for Homes in Tampa, FL?
Spray Foam Insulation
Best for attics, crawl spaces and air leak prevention, eco-friendly spray foam insulation has the highest R-value per inch. It also offers high energy efficiency, mold resistance and air sealing.
Blown-In Insulation
Ideal for attics and walls, blown-in insulation is a cost-effective option for adding insulation to existing homes.
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Good for walls and floors in new construction homes, this traditional insulation provides affordable thermal protection.
Why Choose IBP of Tampa for Your Home Insulation Needs?
IBP of Tampa has been serving Tampa homeowners with high-quality insulation solutions since 2004. Our team of seasoned insulation experts is the best in the business and will work diligently to ensure your home has proper insulation coverage for maximum efficiency, cutting your cooling costs, boosting your comfort and preventing moisture issues and mold.
Don’t let poor insulation drive up your cooling costs — contact IBP of Tampa today for a free insulation inspection and quote!
