​Checking Your Home for Energy Efficientness

You may save money on your utility bills by conducting a home energy audit. However, many people tend to ignore places such as fireplaces and attics.

Attics, fireplaces, and other features that contribute to a house's overall energy efficiency

The long-term purpose of conducting a home energy audit is to make your house more energy-efficient. Reduced utility expenditures now and in the future are a benefit of an energy-efficient house plan. A home audit can save you thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in the long run, depending on how much electricity you use. In addition to windows and doors, there are additional spots where you may lose a substantial quantity of heat that are not so noticeable.

Having an attic in your home is a great place to store your trash, or, if you prefer, your valuables. In contrast, that attic could be costing you quite a bit of money in the long run. Open-air vents assist keep the air moving through the attic, even though most attics are well-insulated, as well. When the attic isn't properly ventilated, it could lead to the roof and the attic contents being damaged.

Thanks to the attic insulation, energy does not leak through the ceiling and into the attic below. The majority of folks, on the other hand, neglect to check the attic's entryway before using this insulation. The amount of heat or air conditioning that escapes through the attic's spaces and the attic vents when you have a "hole in the ceiling" is significant. You may be able to cut your heating and cooling costs by 25 percent right now if you seal the exterior of your door.

Fireplaces have a variety of drawbacks when it comes to regulating the temperature in the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a fireplace's primary purpose is to exhaust smoke from a building through the use of rising heat. As long as the fireplace isn't in use and is allowing hot air to escape, this is a problem.

Make sure that the fireplace's flue is closed whenever it's not in use before attempting any work. Because the heat will escape through your vents and spread over the room before blowing up and out of the fireplace, you might as well turn off the heat in your home if you leave it open. In terms of utility costs, this is undoubtedly a nightmare.

If you want to stay up with the rising cost of electricity, you'll need to conduct regular energy audits. The good news is that a few simple precautions can save you money.

​Benefits of Insulating Your Floors

If you don't live alone, you're probably aware that the noise made in one room by one family member can be heard throughout the house. Children who won't go to sleep, loud stereos or washing machines leaking through the floorboards are considerably worse than a noisy washing machine or dryer. Overflowing noise in your home can be remedied, and one of the best ways to do so is with floor sound insulation.

What Is the Best Place to Install Floor Insulation?

That may seem obvious that floor insulation should be put in place, but it isn't always the case. No, this isn't rocket science, is it? However, there is a lot more to it. The best time to install floor insulation is during the building process. You have the option of using the same fiberglass insulation that has been used on your exterior walls, ceilings, and attic. Cork or rubber-based floor insulation can also be installed at this time.

Because of the sound insulation established during construction, the materials can be inserted between the layers of flooring. In between the floors, there are joists that support a plywood base and then more subflooring. Adding insulation here allows you to utilize heavier materials that may improve soundproofing.

Noise reduction is possible even if your house is already built. It's a great time to replace or repair the flooring in a specific room if you're replacing carpet or other flooring. The results of many home improvement projects will be better if some non-visible changes are performed at the same time as obvious ones. Adding sound insulation to the floor is one example.

It is possible to install new floor insulation immediately after removing the old floor coverings. This can be utilized under a variety of floor coverings, including carpet, vinyl, wood, and ceramic tile. No matter what type of flooring is laid on top, it doesn't make any difference. The type of soundproofing insulation you use is the most important factor.

Most effective will be a material that is self-contained, meaning it is as compact as possible while still having excellent noise reduction properties. Fiberglass insulation is the pink or yellow fluff that has a paper backing. For usage on walls and ceilings, this product is suitable. The most long-lasting flooring underlayment is made of rubber or cork insulation. It will also not significantly raise the floor, making it easier to lay down materials like vinyl.

What's the point of going to such such lengths?

Like the creaks and groans in an old body, a house seems to get noisier with age. The more stable the floors are, the less noise they will absorb from the rooms above, but they will also assist quiet down loud floors where screws have come loose or the boards have warped over time.

Think of soundproofing as an investment in your property. The value will climb as the quality of noise control improves.

Please contact us if you'd like to learn more about soundproofing. Give us a call so we can talk about what's feasible!

​Incredible Foam Insulation

Most people anticipate staying warm in the winter and saving money on their heating expenses when they think of foam insulation. But there's a lot more that foam insulation can do. This is a particularly widespread way of thinking in northern climates, where dwellings have been inadequately insulated for a long period. They reasoned that by adding a layer of foam insulation to the outside of their house, they could save a large amount of money on their gas bill.

However, there are some other advantages to foam insulation that I would want to explore in the remainder of this essay, and that is exactly what I will do. When comparing foam insulation to fiberglass insulation, foam insulation has a lot of advantages. The fact that it is much easier to work with is at the top of many people's priority lists. It has no effect on your skin's itchiness. Because it does not need to be rolled, it is easier to transport. It is also more lightweight than a roll of fiberglass insulation and can cover a larger surface area. All of this is accomplished without lowering the R value, which is a measurement of the insulation's efficacy.

Foam insulation, for example, provides better insulating properties per inch of thickness than ordinary fiberglass rolls. As a result, thinner foam insulation solutions can provide you with a comparable, if not higher, level of cold protection.

We talked about how foam insulation can protect you from the cold during our conversation about it. Most people are unaware, however, that protecting against the cold in the winter also protects against the heat escaping your home throughout the winter. In a similar vein, insulation, regardless of the material used, protects your home from excessive heat in the summer and, if you have air conditioning, from excessive cool in the winter. Not only will you save money in the winter by remaining warm, but you will also save money in the summer by staying cool by staying cool.

If you're thinking about adding vinyl siding or building an addition, you might want to consider coating the exterior of your house with foam insulation, even if it's just a thin layer. When you want the temperature to be higher, it will be, and when you don't, it will be lower. Attaching some of this miraculous chemical is a simple procedure, so it will not be unreasonably expensive, especially when you consider how much money you will save in the long run.

Do you plan to use foam insulation in your project? Give us a call to talk about your possibilities. We hope to be of assistance to you!

​Suggestions for Dealing with Wetness

Controlling the natural drying of your property must begin in the attic, which is located at the top of the home and separates the roof from the remainder. The following suggestions can help you avoid water damage to your ceilings and floors, as well as to common attic appliances, insulation, vents, and recessed lighting canisters.

Make a point of checking your attic on a regular basis to make sure everything is in functioning shape.

a foundation, a roof, and a wall

In the attic, it's important to glance both ways up and down. Roof openings, such as pipes, vents, and the chimney, should be given special attention. Make sure the area is dry and free of mold and decay by performing a thorough inspection. Also check the rafters and sheathing at the bottom of the roof. First thing in the morning is the best time to inspect the roof to ensure that it is adequately sealed and that no daylight enters through roof cracks. By examining the floor, you can ensure that it is dry.

Recessed Lighting Canisters

Corrosion and rust are telltale signs of moisture ingress and an electrical risk, respectively. Stains on the insulation around the canisters, as well as above or near the wood, are additional indications of likely water damage. Replace old recessed light canisters with newer, safer canisters that include built-in insulation for safety.

Vents

It is impossible to stress the importance of proper attic ventilation. Near the apex of the roof, vents are frequently seen. There is a need to find and rectify the source of moisture near vents if there is moisture or discoloration in the area. examine the roof for any bird nests or other debris that may be obstructing the ventilation system, and remove it.

Insulation

Moisture and water cause the insulation to shrink and flatten. The insulation should be checked frequently, especially after the rainy season. It's there. As soon as you notice that something is wet, find the cause and remedy the problem immediately. Water-logged insulation is useless, but it can retain moisture for a long time, leading to mold growth. If the insulation is wet, it needs to be changed out.

Items Discovered in the Attic

Regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems, swamp coolers, and attic air conditioners. Make sure there are no signs of wear and tear, and that the connections are secure. Look around and beneath these appliances. Remember that broken appliances might lead to water damage in the area below.

​It's a Tough Job Insulating the Attic.

Insulation in your attic is designed to retain the heat in your home during the winter and keep the heat out during the summer. Because hot air rises, your furnace's hot air will rise and depart through your attic in the winter. Your attic may become the hottest place in your house during the summer since there is no way for the hot air to escape from the roof, which is quite hot. If you don't have attic insulation, that heat will quickly find its way into your house.

As a result, your home's attic has the most critical amount of insulation. Your insulation choice is also important because not all of them are the same.

Fiberglass batt insulation is by far the most prevalent type of attic insulation. It's easy to put in place between your ceiling joists and doesn't take up much space. A lot of heat can escape through gaps if the batts aren't firmly inserted into all the cracks and crevices.

Fiberglass batts provide less insulation when there is moisture in your attic. Any leaks, condensation, or other sources of moisture must be remedied prior to the installation of batt insulation.

Loose-fill fiberglass and cellulose are also common attic insulation options. By using a blower or a hand-held blower, loose-fill insulation can be blown into tight spaces like corners and other hard-to-reach areas, resulting in fewer gaps. To prevent the destruction of loose fill by moisture, all moisture issues must be remedied prior to installation of the product.

For attic insulation, spray foam is becoming increasingly popular. It not only goes into hard-to-reach places, but it also expands to fill in any cracks or crevices in the insulation, keeping the heat from escaping.

Additionally, spray foam expands, preventing little amounts of moisture from escaping. Condensation isn't an issue with spray foam because of how well it closes your attic.

Other spray foam benefits include structural support, fewer airborne pollutants and allergens in your home, and reduced noise from the outside environment.

Whether you're looking for insulation in your attic or crawlspace, we can help! As one of the most critical regions to insulate, don't delay. Getting in touch with one of our representatives is easy.

​Insulation saves money.

To what extent may proper insulation save money on utility bills?

Over half of your electricity bill is spent on maintaining a suitable temperature in your house. This means that your insulation system should be the first place to start if you desire lower electric expenses.

Reduce or minimize heat transfer and loss in your home by installing insulation. The interior of a well-insulated building is kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer. To maximize the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, you should insulate your home. You might save up to 10% on your monthly electric bill by using insulation.

As a result, if your house has leaks or poor insulation, air will flow through and heat will exchange in areas where insulation is lacking. Consequently, heat is lost. It is likely that the amount of energy needed to maintain the temperature in a house with leaks and poor insulation would increase.

The ideal area to insulate is in the basement.

It is necessary to properly insulate everything from switches and electrical outlets to plumbing fixtures and walls, windows, and doors as well as the floors, ceilings, and crawl spaces in the home.

Guidance on the subject of insulation

Consider factors such as the architecture of the building, the available budget, and the environment when determining the R-values of the insulation materials. For various areas of the house, utilize insulating materials with the corresponding R-values of those materials.

Your attic, flooring, kitchen and bathroom are just some of the places where heat loss is more likely to occur. Insulate these areas using the appropriate materials to keep the temperature in check.

It's important to watch how near the insulation is to sunken lights because they can let heat escape. Local construction codes can provide more information.

When building a house, look for building materials that are both strong and insulated.

Follow the installation instructions provided by the insulation's manufacturer. The product instructions are the finest source of information on how to get the most out of your products.

Ideas for Using Less Energy

Don't overdo it with the illumination. Temperature is affected by the amount of heat emitted by some lights.

Keep your temperature sensor away from hot items like the stove, oven, lights, and other equipment that generates heat in order to get an accurate reading.

If the weather outside is pleasant, you should turn off your heating or air-conditioning equipment. The summer months are ideal for letting in as much natural light as possible, so keep your drapes open on windows facing south. At night, close the door to keep out the cool breezes. Reduce heat loss by closing the drapes and blinds throughout the cold months.

Assist in reducing heat loss and power use by purchasing energy-efficient goods For heating and cooling equipment, seek the advice of an experienced, trustworthy professional.

Set your thermostat as low as you can bear in the winter and as high as you can stand in the summer.

Conserve energy and money by turning down the thermostat on your heat-generating appliances.

Like a well-sealed refrigerator, a well-insulated house will keep out heat and cold. Keeping the motor from working too hard to maintain the proper interior temperature means less heat loss and less power usage.

Using less electricity means saving money. Replace or repair leaky components as soon as you find them by making it a practice to regularly check your home for leaks and holes.

​What Makes a Home "Green"?

Despite the fact that the term "green" has become a household term in the construction and design industries, it is not always clear what it means. As far as eco-friendly dwellings go, there are some rules, but the term "green" itself isn't defined in any meaningful sense. For example, how can a buyer know that the "green" property they're considering actually had an ecological focus or at least enough of one to warrant the price?

One of the prerequisites for environmentally friendly housing is better insulation. To be truly energy efficient, a property should be insulated above and beyond the minimum standards in the area where it is located. Examples include floor insulation that is sometimes incorporated into the concrete base. In addition to insulating the walls, floors, and ceilings, it is recommended that the windows also be done. Windows with dual panes or vinyl frames are therefore soon becoming the standard for "green" homes.

It is important to keep the house's energy efficiency at a high level. The environment benefits greatly from water-saving toilets with several flushing options. Using these options, you can flush solid trash more quickly, while liquid waste is flushed more carefully. It is possible to incorporate water-saving technologies into shower heads, washing machines, faucets, and dishwashers without affecting their usefulness. All equipment in the home, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and heaters, should be as energy-efficient as possible. Additionally, if practical, LED lights or CFLs should be utilized to illuminate the home.

The use of non-toxic or at least less-toxic materials is a need for "green" homes in addition to energy efficiency. Make sure that the paint in your new home is low-VOC. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are contaminants generated during the application of conventional paint. White or off-white walls are better for the environment since they produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This is due to the fact that the paint base is tested for quality, yet some pigments are difficult to remove VOCs.

Another eco-friendly finishing touch is the use of bamboo or cork flooring. The quick growth of bamboo has made it a popular material. It takes around five years for bamboo to grow large enough to be used for flooring.. It can be worn in a variety of ways and in a variety of colors and designs. Sustainable harvesting of cork ensures that the cork tree, which replaces its cork bark every year, is not harmed during the process of harvesting the cork. For a floor that's both attractive and warm, cork may be the best choice.

Lastly, eco-friendly homes will use more natural fibers like wool and cotton for carpets or window coverings.

Outside the house, there's plenty of room for "green" considerations. Xeriscaping is a trendy landscaping technique that uses native plants from the area to create a more natural look. In contrast to lawns and flowerbeds full of exotic flowers, these plants are naturally drought-resistant and require less watering and upkeep.

Penetrable paving stones are a new "green" trend in landscaping. Groundwater is returned to the source after being naturally filtered by the earth. Toxic runoff can be generated as water pours over cement and into drains, conveying oil and exhaust waste into the drainage system, which finally ends up in a nearby body of water.

If a house is touted as "green," don't be hesitant to ask the builder about some of these features. If they don't live up to your expectations, don't buy it.

​Everything You Need to Know About Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is a cellulose-based natural insulating material. It is environmentally beneficial because it is made from recycled newspaper and other recycled paper resources. The recycled content should be at least 75% and ideally higher. The recycled paper is then treated with chemicals to make it more fire resistant.

Insulation made of cellulose has a number of advantages.

The substance is thought to be less harmful than other types of insulating materials due to its nature, which is mostly made up of recycled paper products. Some scientists believe that fiberglass and a range of other insulating materials are dangerous. In humans, cellulose does not cause cancer.

To manufacture fire-resistant materials, non-hazardous chemicals are used to make them more resistant to fire. Boric acid, ammonium sulfate, and borax, to mention a few, are the most commonly used chemicals. These substances' sellers are thought to be safe and haven't been linked to any health risks. They are also thought to aid in the prevention of mold and mildew formation, as well as producing an uncomfortable environment for insects.

Another benefit is that the quantity of energy required to manufacture the material is reduced. When compared to other materials, carbon fiber requires less fuel throughout the manufacturing process. This is good for the environment and saves money on gasoline. This is especially important given the present high price of gasoline. Cellulose used to be significantly more expensive than fiberglass, however the two materials are now nearly comparable in price.

The material is widely used in environmentally conscious homes because it is made mostly of recycled paper and uses less electricity. Green homes are new construction residences that are constructed in an ecologically friendly and energy efficient manner. Cellulose meets all of the requirements for this structure. Currently, more new homes are being built with this type of material than at any other time in history.

The material is more energy efficient than fiberglass, and it allows less air to pass through it. As a result, it performs better as an insulator than other materials. You'll notice a difference in the amount of money you spend on heating your home. It also outperforms any other insulating material on the market in terms of flame retardancy.

This material works effectively as a sound insulator, helping you to reduce the amount of noise in your home. If soundproofing and maintaining a pleasant body temperature are important to you, it is more effective than other materials. The covering is more consistent, and it muffles sounds from outside the house or from adjacent rooms better, such as kitchen noises heard via the bedroom window.

cellulose insulation comes in four main varieties.

This type of insulating material can be used in four different ways:

There are a variety of choices, including stabilized cellulose, loose fill, wall cavity spray, and commercial sprays.

The most common method of insulating new and existing homes is to blast insulation into the wall cavity or attic. The attic is blown dry in general, but the walls are damp from condensation. It is relatively easy to install in existing structures because it is blown. To allow the spray, small holes are bored into the drywall of interior walls, and the holes are fixed once the spray is installed. Outside the residence, the substance is frequently applied by removing small parts of siding or roofing materials, which serves as insulation for the outer walls.

When and how do you use cellulose insulation?

The material must first be mixed with a little amount of water before being sprayed into the wall. This small amount of moisture aids in the material's conformation to the gap and the development of a flawless seal. This assists in the sealing of tiny cracks and hard-to-reach areas within the cavity walls. It is particularly effective in preventing air from escaping through smaller cracks in order to achieve this.

A qualified specialist is recommended to install this insulating material. To be most effective, it must be blown accurately and evenly. Two employees are needed to finish the procedure: one to feed the machine with dry fibers and break up larger fiber clumps, and the other to operate the hose. Dust masks should be worn during the installation procedure to avoid inhaling any dust that has gathered.

Do you want to learn more about cellulose insulation? Give us a call and we'll see whether it's a good match!

​Insulation for Garages

Garage insulation isn't something that most people think about on a regular basis. The majority of homeowners insulate their attics and walls well because they realize how much money they can save on their energy costs by doing so. Garages, on the other hand, are unconditioned spaces that are neither heated nor cooled, making insulation impractical. Is that the case?

When a garage isn't adequately insulated, it might get as hot or cold as the outside temperature. With uninsulated walls and a common ceiling between the garage and your home, this may soon become a significant source of energy loss in both the garage and your home. Furthermore, hazardous odors from your garage, such as those released by automobiles, fertilizers, paints, and other chemicals, could easily seep into your home.

The most efficient way to keep harmful factors out of your house is to insulate the walls and ceilings that connect your garage and your house. You do, however, have a number of options for insulating your garage walls, and picking the best one can make a big difference.

Batt insulation, which has long been a popular choice for insulating attics and walls, is often the first type of insulation considered by homeowners when insulating their homes. Despite having R-values (insulation performance ratings) that are equivalent to other insulating materials, batt insulation is not the best choice for garage insulation.

Depending on the application, batt insulation is applied in rolls or batts. Because the insulation batts do not completely seal the spaces between the wall and the ceiling, gaps can form between the insulation rolls. The holes allow energy to leave your home while also allowing contaminants to enter. Batt insulation is also susceptible to moisture damage, reducing its ability to offer insulation even further.

Foam-board insulation, which is solid sheets of molded polystyrene, gives equivalent R-values while being less bulky than batt insulation. Although foamboard insulation is effective, it does not entirely fill all of the gaps in your wall, and gaps can occur between the insulation sheets.

Insulation that fills in all of the gaps and creates a tight seal around the walls and ceiling of your garage will help you save money on energy bills while also limiting fume seepage. Spray foam garage insulation begins to spread and fill in all voids as soon as it is applied. Spray foam insulation has the same R-values as foam-board insulation of comparable thicknesses, but it is more resistant to moisture damage.

​Using Blown-In Insulation has its advantages

There is no doubt that insulating your home will save you money on energy costs. When it comes to keeping damp and chilly air out of your home, you can't go wrong with whatever you can lay your hands on. There were even antique newspapers uncovered in the walls and floorboards during repairs.

In this day and age, insulating is a science unto itself. Materials and methods for insulating homes and buildings are given R-factors in accordance with their geographic location. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.

When it comes to the best insulation, blow-in is one of the more recent additions. In any case, blow in insulation has swiftly shown its worth. Here's why:

Blown-In Insulation's Advantages

When it comes to insulating your home, blow in insulation is a better option than fiberglass rolls. Its benefits include the ease with which it may be installed, the efficiency with which it uses energy, and the areas in which it can be put to use. For these reasons, blow-in insulation is the best option.

There are two ways to alter the blow-in insulation: The R value might range from 15 to 38, depending on the amount of material used.

Second, the vast bulk of blow-in insulation is constructed of new materials. As a result, allergies should be less of a problem.

A more secure seal is achieved by blowing material into the cracks. Corners, beams, and existing wire in the walls can all be used to guide it around.

Fourth, Blow-in insulation can be installed in a short period of time. In order to keep the material in place, a blanket has been stapled to each of the 2x4s. When the blanket has been cut, a small slit is formed. Insulation is blown into place using a hose and a set amount of pressure.

Energy is saved by using this type of insulation. As the wind blows it in, it expands and adheres to the surrounding surfaces. Filling up even the tiniest of gaps, it does it invisibly.

The Complete Setup Process

The little gap cut into the blanket allows the hose to be routed in any direction around the wall or ceiling after it has been secured to the surrounding boards. When all of the material is in place, the blanket's slit is closed and the tape is applied. You can't use it as a moisture barrier because it merely regulates the amount of water. Moisture can't penetrate the material.

A layer of drywall or other wall material is next applied immediately over the insulating blanket. Insulation can be installed without having to dismantle the entire wall in a remodeling. Consider an eons-old building. In some cases, no insulation may be present. Drill a hole in the wall, place the hose, and then add energy-efficient insulation instead of removing layers of plaster from the walls. The wall is then patched to complete the operation.

It costs more to insulate with blow-in insulation than normal insulation. Analysts, on the other hand, anticipate that the cost reductions will be substantial enough to justify the investment within two to four years.