When you're looking for ways to save on air conditioning your Cincinnati home, adding insulation may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's a good place to start. Just as insulation keeps warm air inside in winter, it also keeps cool air inside in summer.

• Attic - Attic insulation holds back the heat from your roof so it can be ventilated through the attic vents, reducing the load on the air conditioner. If the insulation in your attic doesn't cover the ceiling joists, you'll need to add more. Attics in Ohio homes should be insulated to between R-38 and R-49, assuming there's already 3 or 4 inches of fiberglass batt insulation. That's around 16 inches of batt insulation total.
• Ducts - Air conditioning your Cincinnati home is a lot easier when the cool air from your air conditioner doesn't heat up before it reaches your rooms. To keep the air in the ductwork cool, insulate ducts that run through unconditioned spaces with duct wrap. Before adding insulation, seal any air leaks in the ducts with mastic or metal tape.
• Exterior walls - Just like the attic, the walls of your home should be sufficiently insulated to keep out the summertime heat. Loose-fill insulation is ideal for existing exterior walls because installation requires only a small hole rather than opening up the wall.

Your Insulation Options

Two types of insulation are favored for adding insulation to an existing home.

• Batts - These are long strips of fiberglass, cellulose, rock wool or cotton. Fiberglass and cellulose batts can be used in the attic, walls and floor. Cotton and rock wool batts are used most often for insulating walls. While batts are easy to install yourself, they leave small crevices unfilled.
• Loose-fill - This insulation consists of small pieces of fiberglass, cellulose or rock wool. It fills small crevices effectively, but you'll need a blower machine to distribute it evenly.

To get more pro tips on reducing the cost of air conditioning your Cincinnati home, talk with us at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We're happy to help with all of your home comfort needs!

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