The Blog

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Heating Duct Insulation

If your heating duct work is made out of fibered insulation duct board, every time your furnace kicks on it blows air across these fibers in the insulation. This can cause respiratory and itching problems, especially in children and the elderly. It is much better to use metal furnace pipe and seal all the seams good, then insulate the outside, preferably with a thick foam type insulation. Fiberglass type insulation works good, but it always needs to be sealed away from the living area. See you next time.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Attic Insulation

When installing attic insulation, there is more to it than just blowing insulation in. Your attic needs to be sealed from the living quarters. I don't mean block the entrance to your attic. This is something that also needs consideration. You will need to have an airtight seal around your attic entrance. The insulation in your attic can also leak around light fixtures, in corners, and any unsealed holes. The fibers from your attic insulation can leak into your living area and cause respiratory problems, itchy skin, and other health related problems. Your attic insulation should stay in your attic, including the small tiny fibers. If you have a contractor installing your attic insulation, make sure he is aware that there could be small openings to let these fibers in. Stay healthy and see you next time.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Replacement

When an appliance wears out and it is time for a replacement, make sure the new product is energy efficient. Check to see if it has a green star rating. A new water heater should be well insulated and have a large burner or coil. A tank-less water heater is a little more energy efficient, however the high cost of buying and also installing makes a long time to pay for itself. Wash your clothes in cold water and you will save on your energy bill. Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Even though individual things do not seem like much, everything does add up. See you all later.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Heat Loss And Insulation

The heat is always trying move to the cold areas. This is a natural occurrence in nature. In the winter the heat is trying to get out of the house and in the summer, it wants in. To slow down the heat transfer, you must insulate. Heat travels due to convection, conduction, and radiation. For best results it is best to combine fiberglass insulation wit reflective type of insulation. This way you will slow down all types of heat transfer. Insulation alone will not stop all heat loss. The insulation in your wall is not a seal. It just slows down the heat transfer to the cold areas. But it is good to insulate. The amount of money you will save on your utility bills will be tremendous over an uninsulated house. See you again.