I have an old AC unit upstairs that isn't cooling effectively, and it will likely need replacement within the next year or two. My attic also has poor insulation since the house is 30 years old. I'm considering whether to replace the AC first or to get spray foam insulation for the attic because I can't afford to do both at once. I live in central Georgia, where a good AC system is essential. While I could manage with window units temporarily if my AC fails, I'm inclined to invest in the insulation first and save up for the AC later. What do you think?
3 Answers
Hey! First thing, have you had your AC serviced recently? It might just need some maintenance to work better. As for insulation, it's definitely a good long-term investment, but remember that if your AC isn’t cooling well, the insulation won’t help much. It might be a better bet to sort out your AC first, especially since it could cool down your living space significantly. Plus, insulation can be quite pricey and might not give you the return on investment you’re hoping for if your AC is already struggling.
I totally get where you’re coming from! I’ve dealt with my own attic insulation issues before, and it made a huge difference once I put in the work. If you can’t do both right now, I’d lean towards getting your AC checked out first—sometimes just a good cleaning or a recharge of the freon can do wonders. Plus, if your air is already cool but just struggling, that's a good indicator that the AC might still have some life left in it. But don’t underestimate the impact of solid insulation, especially in your climate!
Insulating your attic can definitely help keep your house cooler overall, but if your AC is on the fritz, it’s kind of like putting a band-aid on a bigger issue. The AC will need to work even harder if the insulation doesn't address the cooling issue directly. I'd look into getting your unit serviced first and see if that makes a difference. And if financing is tight, consider using window units in the meantime until you can afford a new central AC.