Using Blown-In Insulation

If you need to create warmth inside your attic, save big by blowing inside insulation warmth oneself. The good qualities cost $1, 500 in order to $2, 000 to complete the 1, 200-sq. -ft. household. You can apply that oneself for approximately $500. Spitting out attic warmth isn’t tough, nevertheless it’s messy, exhausted operate. To create that less complicated, get the tool in addition to reserve a couple days: just one with regard to attic preparation plus the minute to truly knock back your warmth. From the stop on the weekend break you’re going to possibly be uncomfortable in addition to worn out. But keeping $1, 000 or higher may make up for your tender back.

This long-term benefit is outstanding as well. You can observe your efforts bills drop by approximately 15 in order to 25 % based on your weather in addition to active amounts of warmth. And you will in addition be entitled to the tax credit ratings about the expense of your warmth.

To demonstrate you tips on how to get the job done right, most of us questioned your skilled to express their methods for creating the project proceed effortlessly in addition to enable you to prevent the top several attic-insulation mistakes.

Seal leaks

Yank back the existing warmth in addition to utilize increasing bottle of spray froth in order to close any kind of breaks all-around plumbing water lines, ceiling perforations in addition to slots where by electric powered wire connections snake by means of. “Make confident in order to close all the way up about the water pipe, ” says Olson. Pertaining to breaks 1/4 inside. as well as a smaller amount, utilize caulk rather than increasing froth.

Add ventilation

Yank the existing warmth from your roof. Placement the newest in-take chute therefore the bottom part expands 6 inside. to the overhang in addition to staple that in location. Olson recommends using a contract stapler instead of the retracted stapler. “It’s additional precise in addition to there’s a smaller amount chance you’ll crumple your chute. ”

“In 95 pct on the households most of us work with, your in-take chutes usually are missing out on as well as aren’t correctly set up, ” says Olson. With out these, you’re not having the almost all through your insulation’s R-value since oxygen would need to move correctly on the eaves to eliminate wetness within the wintertime in addition to temperature within the summer time.

To ensure active chutes aren’t impeded, stand within a darker attic to see whether light on the eaves is selection throughout the vents. Exchange any kind of chutes which might be impeded, ruined as well as missing out on. You’ll uncover equally plastic-type material in addition to froth in-take chutes in the home facilities. Olson advises employing froth chutes. “They’re additional strict in addition to there’s a smaller amount prospects for these having crumpled as well as squeezed any time you’re putting in these.” Yank back the existing warmth to help you to observe out there to the border on the eaves, in addition to purchase a in-take chute in each and every rafter room.

Insulate access ways

Cover your attic hatch that has a cushion regarding fiberglass warmth. “You want a pleasant, big puffy cushion regarding warmth to avoid any kind of oxygen water leaks, ” says Olson. Slice a couple levels regarding R-19 fiberglass batt insulation slightly larger than your hatch in addition to staple duct recording to the hatch sides in order to safe that set up.

To hold your warmth by decreasing throughout the attic hatch launching, complete a 2x12 dam about the hatch border. “Then, to actually close your attic entry way up snug, ” says Olson, “lay fiberglass batt warmth on the inside of your hatch as well as door in addition to put that way up snug being a Holiday present." You'll be able to insulate your hatch door even though you’re into the attic as well as go the entrance way out there in addition to do it additional easily with a tarp outdoors.

Mark reference points

Compare well on the drywall in order to tag your sought after warmth level. Start using a long term gun in order to tag the particular level each and every number of trusses and that means you know you've even insurance about the entire room.

When you're blowing warmth, it could find messy in addition to tough to see whether you have got that serious ample about the entire attic. Mark the desired level about diverse roof trusses about the attic when you star.

INSULATING YOUR HOME WITH A PREMIUM EXTERIOR PAINT JOB

Save energy costs and insulate the outside of your home with meticulous practices. Insulate the outside of your home with a NASA-inspired insulating paint product.

• Techniques to Save Energy Costs While Painting Your Home

Windows and doors and clothes dryer vents are where most conditioned air escapes and unwanted exterior air sneaks in, costing the homeowner money in his or her energy bills. A quality exterior painter knows this, and will seal gaps not just for aesthetics but to save you money.

First and foremost: siliconized caulk. Gaps around windows and doors need to be caulked before they are painted. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dust and grease, then apply a bead of caulk and smooth it with your finger so it fills the gap. This will help make the doors and windows airtight. This can save you up to $100 per year.

Secondly, when painting window sashes and their glazing it is a good idea to leave a line of paint over the glazing and on the glass that is roughly 1/10th of an inch wide – this well help create an airtight barrier on the glass pane and the glazing, preventing any drafts from entering the home.

Also, make sure to repair or replace rotted wood trim and siding. If not, moisture and air can find its way inside and adversely affect your energy bills, while compromising the structural integrity of your home.

Remember:

The exterior paint on your home is the skin that protects its structural elements from the weather, so a high-quality, professional paint job is important to your home’s longevity.

  • Insulating Paint inspired by NASA: The Next Big Thing?

Insulating paint, or radiant barrier paint, is a relatively new product that is still under scrutiny. This type of paint essentially uses traditional paint with an additive that’s main purpose is to reduce the build-up of heat, thereby insulating the building from the outside. A similar type of coating is already used today on piping and ductwork.

DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist

Home energy audits are the best way to start saving on your energy bills. Although performing a home energy audit on your own may not get you the same results as a professional home energy audit, it will still help pinpoint improvements that need to be made. DIY home energy audits are

simple procedures that do not require buying any equipment. Arm yourself with an energy audit checklist filled with simple questions that will help you through the process of finding areas that need improvements. By performing an energy audit you'll identify problems with your home and some habits you and your family will need to break. This energy audit check list has six areas of evaluation.

1. Air leaks: Check areas like windows, doors, electric outlets, fans, light switches, the basement, the attic, fireplace and air-conditioners. Air leaks seriously raise the cost of heating and cooling bills and it is essential to make sure these areas are properly sealed. 
2. Insulation: Proper insulation will help you save on heating and cooling bills. Check to make sure your insulation levels are up to code so you can be sure your home is not leaking expensive hot and cold air. You'll want to check the attic, basement and accessible walls and floors to see if they are insulated properly. If you can't access these areas call a professional home energy audit company, or Denver insulation companies because they will have to tools to access the insulation levels without causing damage to your home. 
3. Heating Systems: An efficient heating system and hot water heater will save you up to 40 percent on your energy costs. If your furnace is old, replace it with a newer more efficient model (after properly insulation your home and inspecting the ductwork). Tankless water heaters will are a great way to save money on heating water.

Residential Denver Energy Challenge

For residents of Denver seeking to lower their environmental impact and energy bills, the Denver Energy Challenge offers resources that help. Denver received a $25 million grant from the Department of Energy's Better Buildings Program to improve efficiency of the City and County. The Challenge is designed to increase efficiency investments, advance energy independence and help stimulate economic growth. The Denver Energy Challenge has a goal to improve 6,000 homes and 1,200 businesses by May of 2013. Other goals are to reduce usage by 15 percent (or more), reduce utility bills for residence and to create jobs in the energy efficiency industry.

The Denver Energy Challenge recommends qualified contractors to homeowners looking to join in on the challenge. In order to be able to receive funds from the Challenge, homeowners must use a contractor, or contractors, that have been approved. The qualified contractors are involved in several fields including Insulation and Air sealing, Mechanical/ HVAC, Solar and Windows. Hiring Denver insulation companies is a wonderful way to save a significant amount of money on your home energy bills. Professionals in these industries are well equipped to help reduce waste and overspending.

Home Fan Installation Tips

Posted by: Jeffrey Ahbe

Most fans used in heating, ventilating and air conditioning installations are powered by electric motors. Because of the small sizes of most home fans, the majority are equipped with direct-connected motors. A V-belt drive arrangement is used with larger fans, particularly centrifugal fans used in forced warm-air furnaces or the larger ventilating units found in commercial and industrial installations.

The following are tips and recommendations for proper fan installation in your home.  Home fans help circulate and vent the air in your house.

1. When possible, install an exhaust fan or air outlet on the leeward side so that the air leaves with the prevailing winds.
2. Install the fan and air intake openings at opposite ends of the enclosure so that the intake air passes lengthwise through the area being ventilated.
3. Provide a net intake area at least 30 percent greater than the exhaust fan opening.
4. When possible, install ventilation (supply) fans or air intakes on he windward side so that the entering air utilizes pressure produced by prevailing winds.
5. When a filter is used, increase the net intake area to allow minimum pressure loss from the resistance of the filter.
6. An explosion-proof motor with a spark-proof fan should be used when the exhaust air is hazardous.
7. Steam, heat or odors should be exhausted by fans using totally enclosed motors mounted near the ceiling. The air intakes should be located near the floor.
8. Spring-mount fans and connect them to the wall opening by a canvas boot when extremely quiet operation is required.

If you are unsure if your home is ventilated properly, you can have a blower door test completed that tests the air flow of your home.  This is also a great way to find out if your home has other air leaks outside of your hvac system.  Here is a great video showing the Home blower door test at work!

If you are interested in a home energy audit, contact REenergizeCO (720) 530-5259 for a free in home estimate.

Combustion Appliance Zone Testing

Combustion Appliance Zone testing, or CAZ testing, is an important piece of a complete Home Energy Audit. Denver Energy Audit specialists performing a complete Home Energy Audit will perform CAZ testing on your appliances. CAZ testing is important because the health and safety of your family depends on these appliances working properly. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can kill people and other animals. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible to CO poisoning however it can also affect a healthy individual. In the United States, there are over 400 deaths per year attributed to CO poisoning. Tests of appliances in the combustion zone check to see that there is no leakage of flammable fuel or gases into the living space. CAZ testing should be performed before and after weatherizing a home.

There can be many problems with appliances in existing homes, especially older homes. Older homes typically have older combustible appliances and ventilation systems that may not be up to the current standards for safety and performance. Appliances that most typically cause CO leaks are fuel-burning furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces and gas ranges and ovens. All of these appliances must be tested during CAZ testing.

Tips on Attic Insulation

Adequate insulation and air sealing of your attic will help lower energy bills for homeowners. Attics are the most cost effective place in the home to insulate. Insulating an attic will immediately raise the comfort level of your home and reduce energy consumption. Attic insulation helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

No matter what type of insulation you currently have in your attic, the quickest way to determine if you need more is to use a tape measure. Start by surveying your attic, if the insulation level is level with or below your floor joists you'll need to add more insulation. If you cannot see the floor joists and can stand on them while the insulation reaches past your knees the insulation levels are most likely sufficient. Insulation should be evenly distributed with now parts of the ceiling showing. Sometimes contractors will move insulation to make improvements and repairs, if they don't replace the insulation when they are finished your insulation will become ineffective.