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> 6. Passive cooling measures (e.g., window shutters) should not be overlooked as they cost nothing to run. What about insulation? In my experience the insulat

by klabb3 2y ago

> 6. Passive cooling measures (e.g., window shutters) should not be overlooked as they cost nothing to run. What about insulation? In my experience the insulation in most hot places is abysmal, compared to cold places. I’m not even a layman, but shouldn’t the physics work the same? Or does the air flow from AC change the equation?

cool_dude85 2y ago
I live in Florida and new-build homes are relatively well-insulated. Older stuff can be anywhere from very poor to surprisingly good (e.g. old, small concrete block housing). And yes, the idea is broadly the same, although insulation doesn't help with de-humidification.
- elric 2y ago
  A well insulated (air tight) house does make it easier to keep some humidity out with a ventilation system with an ERV (Energy/Enthalpy Recovering Ventilator). It basically has a membrane which keeps humidity on the most humid side. So it keeps indoor air dry in humid summers, and humid in dry winters. I have one, and it helps keep my house a lot more comfortable in summer, reducing the need for a/c to maybe a couple of weeks a year.
- lsaferite 2y ago
  Having watched many homes being built here in FL, I don't hold the same opinion. Homes here are, in general, still poorly built. Even something as simple as 2x6 exterior framing (for more insulation depth) is not common. Don't even get me started on the lack of modern framing techniques or tight envelopes. Another one that drives me nuts is watching them leave attic unconditioned but they run HVAC vents through that same unconditioned space. All the insulation is in the ceiling, not the roof. It's really disappointing to watch TBH. No builders want the expense when they can build it poorly and the buyers don't really know better. If you build a custom home you can get better outcomes, but the prices jump drastically. Sorry, this is a sore subject for me apparently.
danans 2y ago
> What about insulation? > I’m not even a layman, but shouldn’t the physics work the same? Or does the air flow from AC change the equation? Insulation works great in hot climates, but only when the building is also well air-sealed and air-conditioned. Otherwise, insulation alone will just make a house work like an oven after it heats up (through radiant and convective heat gain).

by klabb3 2y ago

cool_dude85 2y ago

I live in Florida and new-build homes are relatively well-insulated. Older stuff can be anywhere from very poor to surprisingly good (e.g. old, small concrete block housing). And yes, the idea is broadly the same, although insulation doesn't help with de-humidification.

elric 2y ago
A well insulated (air tight) house does make it easier to keep some humidity out with a ventilation system with an ERV (Energy/Enthalpy Recovering Ventilator). It basically has a membrane which keeps humidity on the most humid side. So it keeps indoor air dry in humid summers, and humid in dry winters. I have one, and it helps keep my house a lot more comfortable in summer, reducing the need for a/c to maybe a couple of weeks a year.
lsaferite 2y ago
Having watched many homes being built here in FL, I don't hold the same opinion. Homes here are, in general, still poorly built. Even something as simple as 2x6 exterior framing (for more insulation depth) is not common. Don't even get me started on the lack of modern framing techniques or tight envelopes. Another one that drives me nuts is watching them leave attic unconditioned but they run HVAC vents through that same unconditioned space. All the insulation is in the ceiling, not the roof. It's really disappointing to watch TBH. No builders want the expense when they can build it poorly and the buyers don't really know better. If you build a custom home you can get better outcomes, but the prices jump drastically. Sorry, this is a sore subject for me apparently.

danans 2y ago

> What about insulation? > I’m not even a layman, but shouldn’t the physics work the same? Or does the air flow from AC change the equation? Insulation works great in hot climates, but only when the building is also well air-sealed and air-conditioned. Otherwise, insulation alone will just make a house work like an oven after it heats up (through radiant and convective heat gain).