Most home owners don’t realize that the small draft from the windows can waste your energy in winter and summer. Even the new windows that are insulated well still can let cold draft in during the coldest winter months. If you live in the Northeast, the temperature drops below freezing at night and it can [...]
Posts under ‘insulation’
5 Ways to lower your water heating bills
There are 5 simple ways to lower your water heating bills, try one or more of these energy-saving strategies: 1. Reduce your hot water use Wash most your clothes in cold water; install low-flow fixture; purchase energy efficient washer and dish washer; fix any faucet leaks. 2. Lower your water heating temperature You don’t need [...]
Cooling Ventilation Systems
Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings. Ventilation works best when combined with methods to avoid heat buildup in your home. In some cases, natural ventilation will suffice for cooling, although it usually needs to be supplemented with spot ventilation, ceiling fans and window fans. For large homes, homeowners might [...]
Should I Insulate My Home?
Insulate your home when: You have an older home and haven’t added insulation. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer—adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort. You build a new home, addition, or install new siding or [...]
Slab-On-Grade Foundation Insulation
Properly insulating your slab-on-grade floors not only will help you save on energy bills, but also will improve your home’s comfort. Cold concrete slabs can be a source of discomfort in a home. An insulated slab reduces heat loss, making it easier to heat. This reduction in heat loss helps moderate indoor temperatures. Annual Energy [...]
Steps for Installing Underfloor Insulation
1. During the early phases of construction, the builder should inform all subcontractors (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) that they need to keep the space between the floor joists as clear as possible. Run drain lines, electrical wiring, and ductwork below the bottom of the insulation so that a continuous layer of insulation can be installed. [...]
Insulating an Unventilated Crawl Space
If you have or will have an unventilated crawl space, then your best approach is to seal and insulate the foundation walls rather than the subfloor. The advantages of insulating the crawl space are as follows: * You can avoid the problems associated with ventilating a crawl space. * Less insulation is required (around 400 [...]