I bought an 80-year-old house in Arizona and I've been renovating it, but I've hit a snag. There are two rooms that face south and get a ton of direct sunlight throughout the day. I've updated the ductwork and had insulation installed to an R49 rating, but the walls in these rooms really heat up. They have single-pane windows that I'm replacing this month with low E glass, but the brick walls with plaster have no insulation between them. What are some ways I can reduce the heat absorption in these rooms since they're noticeably warmer than the others?
3 Answers
It sounds like you're dealing with quite a bit of heat if there's no insulation in those walls. You might want to consider adding insulation either on the inside, covered with drywall, or outside with some new cladding. It could make a big difference in regulating the temperature.
Consider jumping on the mini split bandwagon. They’re energy-efficient and super effective for cooling. If those rooms are close to each other, you might even get by with just one unit but make sure to circulate the air between them to keep temperatures consistent. Plus, I've seen some great deals on these units on Facebook Marketplace if you want to save some bucks! I’ve had mine for over 10 years and they’ve worked like a charm!
Have you thought about adding some taller plants or landscaping on the south side of the house? That could help provide some shade and block the afternoon sun. Just make sure to pick plants that can handle the Arizona heat. You might also consider installing some awnings over the windows to cut down on direct sunlight.
Yeah, I think landscaping could help. Just be careful with the types of plants so they won't wither in the summer heat!
I figured as much. If I decide to build an internal wall, what’s the best thickness and type of insulation to use?