– Benefits of Thermal Insulation and Air Conditioning

Thermal insulation is one of the elements that works to complement heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and improve their effectivity in different ways, and it is essential in building construction. Thermal insulation in buildings refers to processes and installations that reduce heat transfer between the outdoor and indoor spaces.

In this article we will be discussing how insulation impacts our home, both from the building construction point of view to the insulation of air conditioning components and how it affects the system’s effectiveness and efficiency.

Temperature Insulation at Home

Usually, insulation is implemented during the construction of the building. Although many older houses do not have insulation incorporated or it is deficient for modern lifestyles. Luckily, insulation can be installed or improved even after a building’s construction is finished, both in older and newer homes.

• Why is insulation important in homes?

One of the main effects of insulation is improved thermal sensation, as it prevents heat loss in winter and overheating in summer, resulting in more comfortable temperatures indoors, and minimized temperature changes throughout the day. However, insulation has many other applications that make it one of the most important elements in homes. For example, thanks to the reduction of abrupt temperature changes, properly insulated homes will less likely have issues with condensation and mold growth.

Other effects of insulation are unrelated to temperature, but still as important. For example, insulation can act as a sound absorber, thus reducing acoustic disturbances, such as noise from the traffic outside or from neighbors. In some cases, insulation around electrical components also decreases fire hazard and can provide fire protection.

• Insulation key locations throughout the home

There are certain areas in the home that are prone to heat gain in summer and chilling temperatures in winter. By tackling the insulation of these areas, we can benefit greatly from more even temperatures and reduced heating and cooling consumption. Some of these areas are: exterior walls, flooring over unconditioned spaces (such as basements and garages), ceilings where mold can appear, and attics. 

• Attic insulation

Homes that have attics present a challenge that needs special attention when it comes to thermal insulation, as they have more surface area from where temperature can transfer, and according to the Department of Energy, up to 20% of savings in heating and cooling can be expected by properly insulating attics and crawl spaces. In occupied attics, it is important to insulate and waterproof roofs, fixing any leakage, and to check uninsulated vents from which heat can escape. Attics also may require thicker insulation, as the weather impact is greater in this part of the home. 

Thermal Insulation in Buildings

The materials used in insulation for buildings can vary. Some common and widely available materials are fiberglass, plastic fibers, polyurethane and polystyrene, and natural fibers (such as cotton and wool). The types of thermal insulation also differ from one another, and some have specific applications, here are some common types of insulation:

1. Blanket insulation. A common type that is available in batts or rolls of varied thickness, made out of flexible fibers, and installed in unfinished walls. Its wide availability and variety make it useful for different settings and applications.
2. Concrete block insulation. These are concrete blocks filled with insulation material, they are a common choice in new constructions, although they may be implemented in renovations.
3. Rigid foam insulation. Rigid panels of foam are useful to insulate walls, floors and roofs. They can be implemented in existing homes, but must be covered with other materials to fireproof and weatherproof them.
4. Liquid foam insulation. In existing homes that have hollow walls (cavity walls), liquid foam can be injected or poured in easily, even in very small cavities.
5. Reflective systems. These consist of panels with a foil face that reflect radiant heat, they are especially useful for insulating roofs in warmer climates, where heat gain from the sun is considerable.
6. Rigid fiber insulation. Commonly used to insulate air ducts, or any other application that requires heat resistance, as they are usually made with fiberglass.

Impact of Thermal Insulation on Air Quality

Many homes are subject to condensation on windows in the evening or the early morning, this happens when the difference in temperature between outdoor and indoor is too great. Condensation and humidity raise the chance of mold and mildew growth, which in turn can reduce indoor air quality, releasing allergens in the air, mold spores, and even causing damage to the interior of the home (on walls, tiles, ceilings…), and electrical components. This is prevented by proper insulation, as it blocks moisture leakage and condensation, acting as a vapor retardant and reducing the likelihood of mold appearance indoors. Similarly, air drafts from uninsulated windows and doors also affect the indoor environment, letting in unconditioned air from the outside; insulating these elements results in an immediate improvement in comfort.

As we have seen above, insulation offers many applications and advantages. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits in depth:

• Thermal insulation and efficiency

The reduced heat transfer has the immediate effect of more even and stable temperatures throughout the day and the entire home, minimizing the need to rely on heating and cooling during key times, such as in the afternoon in summer, and in the evening in winter. A home with optimal insulation will maintain its indoor temperature better than an uninsulated home. The environment created is much more comfortable, effectively eliminating hot and cold spots resulting from sun direction or large windows.

As insulation helps lower energy consumption, it can also reduce carbon emissions, as less fossil fuel is burned. This reduces the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted in the environment, making insulation a decisive step towards a more sustainable home.

• Insulation for air conditioning

When we talk about insulation for air conditioning, we are referring to the insulation of components, such as piping, ducting, external units, etc. The materials used for this are similar to those of insulation for building, but the types can differ. Some common types are:

1. Closed cell insulation. Used mainly for refrigerant pipes and drainpipes, but it can also be used for insulating the main body of the external unit.
2. Liquid foam. This insulation material can be sprayed around pipes and ducts, it is especially useful in small spaces where panels or more rigid insulation is difficult to install.
3. Blanket insulation. Polyurethane foam is presented in rolls or panels, and it is used to enclose the ducting, and protect it from external factors.
4. Fiberglass. This material has many benefits, as it is heat resistant, and it can be found in both flexible and rigid forms. It is very durable and resistant, making it a common choice for many of the AC’s components.
5. Reflective systems. Insulation with a foiled face is excellent to diffuse heat gain from sun rays, which is useful for external units in sun-facing buildings. 

• How insulation benefits air conditioning

The reason for air conditioning or HVAC insulation is the same as in the home: reducing the effect of temperature transfer. By insulating the AC components, we are protecting them from extreme temperatures, allowing them to function in regular conditions, that in turn, result in the system working less hard and remaining cost-effective and efficient for our cooling and heating needs. As you may expect, it is also an excellent way to weatherproof an external unit, especially in climates with recurrent snow and freeze. For sunny areas, it can offer protection against UV rays that deteriorate the external casing over time. Also, as a lesser-known benefit, insulating the external unit also reduces the noise level it makes, and absorbs vibrations that in the long term could damage internal components.

HVAC Insulation Installation

The implementation of insulation in any part of the home should be performed by experienced installers, for maximum effectiveness and durability. In the case of air conditioning insulation, it is no different. 

Expert installers understand how insulation works. Heat can transfer through three main mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Most insulation types prevent temperature transfer through conductive and convective methods, such as blanket insulation. Other insulation types, such as reflective systems, prevent it from radiant heat.

Apart from this, each material also has a unique resistance to heat, and this is measured through the R-value, or the effectiveness of the material to thermal resistance. The higher the R-value is, the better insulation rate the material has. The thickness of the material also influences its R-value, the thicker it is, the better insulation it provides.

For areas with extreme weather climates, higher R-value is needed, although it may also be more costly to install. However, we should remember that insulation may be an important upfront investment, but the energy savings that result from this, and the improved comfort we gain for our home, add up every year.

Good and Bad Insulation Installation

We have talked about the benefits of proper insulation in homes and for air conditioning. What happens if insulation is not installed correctly? Whether it is from using the incorrect type for a certain part of the home, or from using cheaper alternatives with a lower R-value, a bad insulation installation can result in the opposite effects of what we look for.

In this way, we may encounter issues such as: increased energy consumption, the AC system has to work harder, causing damage to its internal components, increased humidity levels may arise, as improper insulation can trap moisture and present condensation, and even poor airflow or cold air drafts from using incorrect materials. Some insulation types require special coverings, in case these are not provided, the insulation, even if it is adequate for the application, can deteriorate from humidity, heat sources or external weather factors.

In order to understand what steps would need to be taken for HVAC insulation installations, it is crucial to contact trusted partners and installers that give you the advice required to inform your decision making, their knowledge will have an invaluable impact on your home’s environment.

Hitachi Air Conditioning to Complement Insulation

Insulation provides better temperature regulation, which can be greatly improved with an efficient and smart AC system that works with it. Find the best solution for your home in the range of Hitachi Residential air conditioner here and enjoy better comfort, no matter what season and climate zone you are in.