U.S. GreenFiber Cocoon Insulation
green insulation
Insulation is a critical element of the energy-saving equation. Heating and cooling account for 50–70% of the energy consumed in an average American home. And most existing homes in the US were not built with insulation to afford the best energy efficiency. Improving your insulation is an easy impact-lowering opportunity for most homeowners as it is relatively easy to do and has a quick pay-back period.
Good insulation in your home results in much lower energy use by helping you retain warm air in the winter and fend off heat in the summer. If your house has no wall insulation, blowing in insulation between the studs can make your home more comfortable and also save power. Similarly, if you don’t have insulation in your ceiling/attic, it is also a good idea to add insulation there to keep heat from flowing into and out of your home via the roof. Not only will you save money and power, but your home will be more comfortable as well.
Find an insulation installer in your area
Insulation is rated by its R-value or thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the greater the energy efficiency. R-value depends on the material, thickness, and density. Fiberglass, cellulose and foam insulation are all popular types and you can buy them with various R-values. We have a preference for insulation made from recycled or reused materials, like shredded newspaper and other papers (“cellulose”). There is even an insulation material made from recycled denim!
If you want to do it yourself, the most common type of insulation to use is blankets or rolls of fiberglass or rock wool. You can use these well in areas with standard stud configurations, but the space needs to be fairly free of obstructions.
Blow-in or loose-fill insulation is sprayed into a space and it is typically best for existing walls, unfinished attics, or places that are hard to reach or have multiple obstructions. Blow in insulation will cost between $.50-.80 per square foot, or approximately ~$1500 for a 2000 square foot house (before rebates).
Many state and local governments offer rebates and tax incentives for insulation installation. Be sure to check with your local power company to learn about opportunities to save money.
For more details on types of insulation, what to do in a newly built house, etc. please visit: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html
Individual results of using green products and services listed herein may vary. Low Impact Living, Inc. takes no responsibility for individual results, nor for service providers or products listed on this website.
