Spring is the perfect time of year for duct cleaning and insulation in the Dallas, TX area. These processes can help reduce cooling costs, boost comfort, and achieve a smaller carbon footprint. When temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, air conditioning runs nearly nonstop to keep your home comfortable. Avoid energy bill spikes, shorter system lifespan, and equipment strain with assistance from Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air.
Why Summer Can Be Challenging
The climate in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area can be very extreme in the summer, with hot temperatures and high levels of humidity. Swings in temperature are also common as seasons change. Maintaining a tight home envelope is important to keep outdoor air from entering the home. This also keeps cool, conditioned air inside where it belongs.
Older homes tend to lack insulation. Even some modern homes lack insulation in certain areas if builders were looking to cut corners. You may have inadequate insulation if you are noticing hot or cold spots in your home. Drafts may be coming from around windows or doors. High heating and cooling bills may also be a concern. If your indoor air quality is causing allergy and asthma symptoms, consider insulation levels and ductwork condition.
Approximately 20% to 30% of conditioned air is lost through ductwork leaks, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Ductwork is often installed through attics, which can get quite hot, especially in the Dallas area. Warm air can enter the ducts and circulate into living spaces. It may be necessary to run your air conditioner more frequently to keep your home comfortable.
Other issues include poor sealing around plumbing, lighting, and attic hatches. Your HVAC system will work harder and cycle more frequently, which can cause it to wear out prematurely.
Why Spring Is Ideal for Upgrades
While it’s possible to upgrade your insulation levels and have ducts sealed at any point during the year, spring is ideal. It’s more comfortable for professionals to work in an area like your attic when it’s springtime and temperatures aren’t extreme. In the summer months, attic temperatures can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, which creates a safety issue.
Before temperatures rise to extreme levels, upgrades can take place. Your home will be ready come summer, and you won’t overwork your HVAC system to achieve optimal comfort.
Summer tends to be very busy for insulation and HVAC companies. Spring offers more flexibility. You can schedule appointments on days and times that are convenient for you.
The Benefits of Insulation Upgrades
Insulation helps slow the transfer of heat in your home. During the spring and summer months, it will keep attic and outdoor heat from coming into your living spaces. Consider the extreme temperatures in your attic and how infiltration into your home can create unpleasant conditions. Not to mention, this can negatively impact your indoor air quality. Radiant heat can also infiltrate through your roof and gaps and cracks around your foundation, windows, and doors.
Homes in the North Texas area should have insulation levels between R-38 and R-60, according to Energy Star. Building codes often require an insulation level of only R-19 or less. The most common type of insulation used in residential settings is blown-in fiberglass. You can upgrade and use spray foam insulation, which provides a very tight seal against the outdoors. A professional can help you determine which insulation upgrade is best and where to install it.
The Importance of Duct Sealing
Sufficient insulation is ideal. However, your ducts should also be airtight to prevent conditioned air from escaping. Even a small amount of air leaking into your attic or into ceilings and walls can lead to hot or cold spots, reduced airflow, poor indoor air quality, and high humidity.
Duct sealing involves identifying open areas and sealing them using professional sealants and tapes. Expect an immediate improvement in airflow, reduction in energy waste, and more even temperatures. Sealed ducts can also reduce the amount of particulate matter in your home, which is beneficial for people with allergies.
Combining Insulation and Duct Sealing
While upgrading insulation and sealing your ducts are both beneficial home upgrades, combining them is ideal. The process will begin with an inspection of your insulation levels and ductwork. A professional will measure the depth of your insulation and determine if there are uninsulated areas. Camera equipment can detect leaks in your ductwork. Other supportive services include evaluating ventilation and indoor air quality.
Before installing additional insulation, professionals will close gaps and cracks in areas like your basement, attic, and around your foundation. Materials that can be used for an insulation upgrade include spray foam, fiberglass batting, and foam boards. Products can be layered to achieve a higher R-value.
Areas of your HVAC system that will be sealed include your supply ducts, return ducts, plenum connections, and boot connections. The type of product used for sealing will be determined by the size of the area needing to be sealed, the budget, and accessibility.
It’s important to note that both added insulation and duct sealing can result in a quieter home. Insulation can help block outside noise. Sealing your ducts will keep air inside the system, rather than making a whistling or hissing sound as it escapes through small holes or cracks.
Indoor Air Quality Benefits
Many types of particulate matter can come into a home from the outside. This includes pollen, dust, and mold spores. Maintaining a tight envelope can help you take better control over your indoor air quality. Expect fewer allergy symptoms, better sleep quality, and improved mood.
One thing to keep in mind with a tight home envelope is ventilation. Indoor humidity from cooking and bathing needs to be evacuated through fans. VOCs from glues and carpets can also be reduced with mechanical ventilation in the building.
Financial Benefits and Savings
Making insulation and ductwork improvements increases comfort but also saves you money long-term. Your air conditioning equipment won’t need to run as frequently in the summer, keeping utility bills low. Your HVAC system will experience minimal strain, resulting in fewer repairs and maintenance. Your system’s lifespan should be longer, reducing the need to replace your cooling equipment prematurely. Upgrades of this sort will increase the overall value of your home, making it appealing to potential buyers if you are selling.
There are often rebates and incentives that can help offset the cost of these upgrades. The return on investment is also something to consider.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your insulation and having ductwork sealing performed, Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air is here to help. We can also perform routine HVAC maintenance and repairs to get you ready for spring and summer in Dallas. Contact us at Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air for more information on duct sealing and insulation.
