Author: Banker

Four Tips to Slash Your Summer Cooling Costs in Arizona & New Mexico

As the scorching summer months approach, residents of Arizona and New Mexico brace themselves for the inevitable spike in energy costs. However, there’s good news–

Updated May 2024

As the scorching summer months approach, residents of Arizona and New Mexico brace themselves for the inevitable spike in energy costs. However, there’s good news–with practical strategies, you can keep cool without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore four actionable tips to help you stay comfortable and save money on your electricity bills.

Why Insulation Is Key to Cooling in the Southwest

In the blistering heat of an Arizona summer, keeping cool can feel like an uphill battle. Understanding heat transfer is crucial; heat naturally flows from warmer to cooler areas. This is where insulation becomes your best ally. By acting as a thermal barrier, insulation slows down heat transfer, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system and ultimately slashing your cooling costs. When combined with air sealing, you can maximize your home’s energy efficiency to save even more. In fact, with insulation and air sealing you can save an average of 15% or more on your annual heating and cooling costs! That’s a cool investment for your Southwest home.

Four Tips to Beat the Heat & Lower Your Bills in Arizona & New Mexico

Tip 1: Prioritize Insulation

Worker's hand installing blown-in insulation in an attic.Start by addressing your attic and walls. Proper attic insulation and air sealing are especially crucial as hot air rises and escapes through your roof, making your attic one of the most energy inefficient rooms of your home. Another important area to insulate is inside your exterior walls, especially if you reside in an older home. Older Arizona homes were often built with little to no insulation inside their walls. Adding wall insulation will protect your home from the outside elements by preventing cold drafts and heat loss and creating a cozier living environment and a more energy efficient dwelling.

Consider different insulation options such as spray foam, cellulose, or fiberglass for your project, each with their own unique benefits. Spray foam combines insulation and air sealing in one easy step, while cellulose is a great blown-in option, and fiberglass is the most budget friendly choice.

Before starting any insulating project, don’t hesitate to seek a professional assessment in the form of a home energy audit to identify your specific energy needs. Conducted by a professional, like Banker Insulation, these inspections provide a clear picture of your home’s energy consumption and will identify air leaks, inefficient appliances/equipment, and additional sources of energy loss. With this detailed report in hand, you’ll be able to make the most educated decisions regarding maximizing your home’s energy efficiency.

Tip 2: Optimize A/C Usage

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your air conditioner runs efficiently. Installing a smart thermostat can further enhance energy efficiency by learning your schedule and adjusting cooling accordingly. Additionally, utilizing ceiling fans can help circulate cool air, allowing you to dial back your A/C usage during the hot summer months without sacrificing comfort.

Tip 3: Maximize Shade

Strategic landscaping with shade trees will reduce the amount of heat entering your home. Utilizing window treatments like awnings, exterior shades, or solar screens are ideal ways to block sunlight from east- or west-facing windows. Opting for light-colored roofing materials also helps reflect heat away from your property.

Tip 4: Mindful Energy Consumption

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, and embrace cooking methods that generate less heat, such as outdoor grilling, microwaves, or slow cookers. Consider running major appliances during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower electricity rates.

Tailoring Tips for Arizona

Large Arizona house highlighted by the setting sun.

Arizona is known for its extreme heat and dry climate, yet is located in four different climate zones, ranging from hot dry to cold dry. This means that not only are insulation and shade critical, but that different parts of the state have different insulation needs. The insulation needs of Tucson or Phoenix may differ from those of Flagstaff or Snowflake. It’s important to consult with an insulation professional for insulation solutions tailored to your climate zone.

Plus, don’t forget to explore specific energy-saving programs specific to Arizona residents to maximize your savings when making home efficiency upgrades. Check out these resources for more information:

Tailoring Tips for New Mexico

Adobe-type home in New Mexico.In New Mexico, where altitude and temperature swings pose unique challenges, adjusting insulation strategies is essential. New Mexico is home to three different climate zones (with Albuquerque falling in the “mixed dry” zone 4) and just like in Arizona, each climate zone has different insulating needs. For those building with adobe or living in adobe homes, extra work may be needed to meet required insulation values and local energy codes.

Also, be sure to take advantage of regional energy-saving programs just for New Mexico residents to stay ahead of rising utility bills and earn money back for energy upgrades. Check out these resources for more information:

Save on Summer Energy Costs with Banker Insulation

Staying cool while saving money on your energy bills is entirely achievable with the right approach. By prioritizing insulation, optimizing your cooling systems, maximizing shade, and practicing mindful energy consumption, you can beat the heat and enjoy long-term comfort without breaking the bank. Remember, investing in energy efficiency is an investment in your future comfort and financial well-being. So don’t wait–start saving on your summer energy costs today!

Who can you count on for expert service and tailored insulating solutions for your Arizona or New Mexico home or building? Banker Insulation of course! We have been the Southwest’s go-to insulation company since 1977 and we are here to meet your insulating needs. Contact us today to learn more about our customized insulation options and receive your free estimate.

Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

As spring arrives in the Southwest, it’s a good time as homeowners in the desert of Arizona and New Mexico to gear up to tackle the unique challenges posed by our region’s climate.

Updated March 2024

As spring arrives in the Southwest, it’s a good time as homeowners in the desert of Arizona and New Mexico to gear up to tackle the unique challenges posed by our region’s climate. Our sunny, arid landscapes bring with them a set of maintenance tasks essential for ensuring comfort, efficiency, and protection against the intense summer heat. Let’s explore some crucial spring home maintenance tips tailored to the specific needs of our homes in these states. These suggestions will help you minimize your energy costs and maximize your springtime fun.

Arizona Spring Maintenance Tips

Front of a southwest style home.

Scorpion and Snake Prevention

With the rising temperatures, scorpions and snakes seek refuge in cooler indoor spaces. Conduct a thorough inspection and take necessary measures to deter these unwelcome guests.

Evaporative Cooler Maintenance

Clean out sediment buildup from evaporative coolers due to low humidity, ensuring optimal performance during the hot months.

Window Seals and Caulking

Inspect window caulking and seals around doors and windows to prevent dust accumulation, air leaks, and maintain energy efficiency. Undergoing a professional energy audit can pinpoint additional sources of air loss and provide recommendations for improvement as well.

A/C Servicing

Service air conditioning systems, replace HVAC filters, and check ducts for leaks to prevent the loss of cold air. Completing these tasks improves energy efficiency and prolongs the life of your A/C system.

Landscaping Updates

Update landscaping with lower-water adaptive plants to conserve water and create a more sustainable outdoor environment.

New Mexico Spring Maintenance Tips

Flat Roof Inspection

Check for pooling water damage on flat roofs, which are typical of adobe style homes, addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Stucco Wall Repair

Repair exterior cracks in stucco walls caused by freeze/thaw shifts during winter weather, ensuring structural integrity and preventing moisture intrusion.

Gutter Cleaning

Clean gutters clogged by cottonwood tree debris to prevent water damage and maintain proper drainage around the home.

Vibrant landscaping in front of multiple two-story homes in the southwest.

Rainwater Catchment Systems

Install rainwater catchment systems to offset monsoon flooding, providing a sustainable water source for landscaping and outdoor use.

Xeriscaping

It’s a good time to embrace xeriscaping principles and create a more drought resistant yard with barked beds and native plants instead of a traditional lawn. This is a great way to conserve water and reduce maintenance requirements.

Additional Tips for Every Homeowner

In addition to these regional home maintenance tips, it’s essential to consider general spring home maintenance tasks too, especially properly insulating your home with new or upgraded insulation. Proper insulation and air sealing will keep your home comfortable throughout every season of the year and help you save on your energy bills. Spring is the best time to inspect your attic insulation (and other insulated parts of your home) to ensure your insulation is ready for the warm air of summer. If your insulation is old or damaged, take the time to choose and replace the insulation that’s best for your home, from loose fill cellulose to spray foam to fiberglass.

Banker Insulation is Here to Help You

Preparing your Arizona or New Mexico home for the summer season may seem overwhelming, especially with the challenges our desert climate brings. But by following a comprehensive spring home maintenance checklist and incorporating region-specific upgrades, you can maximize your home’s comfort, efficiency, and protection against seasonal threats, while possibly lowering your energy bills. From controlling intense heat and pests to conserving water and energy, proactive maintenance ensures a comfortable and sustainable living space for you and your family year-round. And spring is a good time to invest in the longevity and performance of your home.

At Banker Insulation, we’re here to help you prepare for spring and summer weather. We want you to spend more time cheering on your favorite baseball team during Cactus League Spring Training than worrying about your home. That’s why we offer a wide variety of products and services to help keep your home in tip-top shape and energy efficient year-round. Take advantage of any or all our services, including insulation removal and installation, rain gutter installation, and home energy audits available from many of our 18 locations throughout Arizona and New Mexico. Contact us today to get your spring off to a good start.

Spray Foam vs Fiberglass Insulation

You’ve conquered the busiest season of the year, and now it’s time to tackle that insulation problem, so spray foam insulation or fiberglass insulation?

You’ve conquered the busiest season of the year, and now it’s time to tackle that insulation problem, so spray foam insulation or fiberglass insulation? Banker Insulation has previously written about the best applications for spray foam insulation, so let’s talk about the difference between these two popular, energy-efficient insulation types.

Spray Foam Insulation

The installation of spray foam is in attics, roofing, and interior wall cavities. Spray foam is used because it expands and fills even the smallest gaps. If combined with attic air sealing, spray foam becomes a moisture barrier reducing the risk of mildew or mold.

When combined with protective coatings and other materials during construction, spray foam can produce a cool roof. In an environment like Phoenix, cool roofs can reduce your overall cooling cost.

If you’re constructing a new home or you’re renovating, this is a perfect time to use spray foam insulation in your walls. This type of insulation can have benefits such as soundproofing, energy efficiency, and better comfort within your home.

Title card featuring a wooden house toy wrapped in a blue knitted scarf: Spray foam vs fiberglass installation.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass comes in the rolled form or loose fill that’s blown in. The loose type is used in areas such as attics, walls, and floors like spray foam. This type of insulation traps air in glass fibers that slows the transfer of heat into your home or business. Another benefit of fiberglass is that it’s low-cost insulation.

Fiberglass batts can be installed without professional assistance, but it’s highly recommended that you have a professional insulation company install it for you. Professionals will have all the proper protective gear, and there will be less of a risk to you and your family. Another benefit is that the installation cost is usually cheaper than spray foam.

Fiberglass has been around the longest, which is one reason that many people choose it over spray foam because it’s more familiar. Fiberglass also tends to make less of a mess than spray foam.

Cons of Spray Foam and Fiberglass

There are three cons that homeowners and business owners should be aware of when considering spray-in insulation: cost, difficulty to apply, and the mess. While the cost to install is a drawback, the amount of money you save in the long run makes up for this.

For fiberglass, there are two disadvantages you should be aware of: it’s not as efficient and settles faster. While you’ll probably save money on the installation, you’re more likely to have to install new insulation sooner, and you may not save as much on your utility bills.

Talk to a Professional

To receive an accurate price quote, schedule a consultation with a professional. Banker Insulation is a full-service insulation and energy conservation insulation contractor serving the greater Phoenix metro area.

In business since 1977, we provide residential and commercial insulation, sound control, and other valuable services such as home energy audits.

Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.