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Want to reduce the cost of cooling your home and cut down on unwanted sound at the same time? Now may be the time to make sure your house is fitted with the right kind of insulation for Florida's climate.
1. Know what to look for. When shopping for insulation, check its "R-value," which measures the insulation's resistance to heat flow. This is a more important measurement than the thickness of the insulation. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.
2. How much thermal resistance do you need? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following R-values in the Tampa Bay area if you use gas heat: R-38 in attics and cathedral ceilings; R-13 in walls and floors, and R-19 in crawl spaces. Recommended values are slightly higher for attics, walls and floors if your home is heated with electricity.
3. Recognize that your attic really matters. Attics tend to trap hot air, increasing the temperatures in the rooms below and ultimately raising your energy bills if you crank up your air conditioning in response.
4. Conduct a home energy audit. To help you detect waste and measure the efficiency of your home's cooling and heating systems, your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits. You also can conduct your own by following the Department of Energy's instructions at www.homeenergysaver.lbl.gov
5. Consider your budget. Even if your budget is tight, the energy savings may be so great that an insulation project could be worth the cost. Low-income households may qualify for a free home weatherization through a program financed by the Energy Department. To be directed to the correct contact information for your county, call the Florida Department of Community Affairs at (850) 488-7541.
6. Want to do it yourself? If you install the insulation on your own, be sure to wear proper clothing and protective gear and follow all instructions to avoid fire hazards and moisture problems.
7. If you hire a professional, look for contractors who are licensed and insured, get at least three bids in writing, call references and check the company's complaint history with the Better Business Bureau at toll-free 1-800-955-5100. The Insulation Contractors Association of America (www.insulate.org 703-739-0356 can refer you to contractors in your area.
8. Read the contract carefully. The R-value of each type of insulation used should be specified in your contract. Beware of vague language, such as R-values with the terms "plus or minus," "average" or "nominal," or quotes about the insulation in terms of thickness only.
9. If you're buying a newly built home, the seller must include specific information in the home sales contract about the type, thickness and R-value of the insulation installed in each part of the house.
10. To learn more about R-values and energy efficiency, go to the Department of Energy's EERE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center online at www.eere.energy.gov or by phone at toll-free 1-877-337-3463.
- Sources: U.S. Department of Energy (www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo) Insulation Contractors Association of America