Insulation: Save money and gain heat

Insulation is the one of the best ways to save money on heating and air conditioning. Considering a third of a home’s annual costs are spent on heating, it’s worth spending a little on insulation to keep that heat inside. 

In this series, I will focus on an array of cost saving solutions for effectively insulating your home. By following these tips, you’ll be able prevent heat loss and conserve energy without breaking the bank. You can even receive a 30% tax credit in certain areas.

Where to start

Test your airflow: On a windy day, hold a lit candle or incense stick to these areas:

Dropped ceiling
Recessed light
Attic entrance
Sill plates
Water and furnace flues
All ducts
Door frames
Chimney flashing
Window frames
Electrical outlets and switches
Plumbing and utility access
Any location where there is a possible air path to the outside

If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leakage. Areas that leak air into and out of your home can potentially cost you a lot of money. This probably is an indication of gaps and areas where air leaks into and out of your house. It also may be a moisture issue, so it’s always worthwhile to check out.

Types of insulation

Once you have determined where you need to insulate, you have to decide what to insulate with.  I recommend using natural insulation products wherever you can. This will decrease your energy costs while protecting your health and home. Typically natural products have a 10% higher “R-value,” and the material will last the lifespan of the building, whereas typical insulation will deteriorate faster than the structure.

Interior environments can be densely polluted with toxic chemicals and adding natural products reduces the harmful VOCs. Wool insulation actually removes many toxic gases like formaldehyde from indoor air, while man-made insulation products emit those gases. Natural products can also be installed without protective gear, as it is safe to handle and nontoxic to both the installer and occupant for years to come.

The U.S. Dept of Energy has a cost-to-savings calculator. This tool can help you determine what to invest in and why.

Following is a list of insulation options:

Natural insulation -- These are internationally code-approved methods and are available in many formats.

a. Plant or bio-based

i. Soybean oil-based
ii. Vegetable based: More comfortable, efficient, and healthier than traditional products.

b. Natural fiber

i. Cotton
ii. Cattails
iii. Cellulose fiber
iv. Perlite
v. Vermiculite
vi. Wool: Wool absorbs, retains, and releases moisture without effecting thermal properties, or the performance. It is healthy and breathable, and it helps relieve mold issues in damp-climate, like here in the Northeast.
vii. Natural caulk

Radiant barrier -- This is an acoustical product as well as a sound barrier increaser.

a. Natural radiant barrier
b. Traditional radiant barrier

Loose fill insulation

a. Natural loose fill insulation
b. Dryer lint can be saved to close openings
c. Jeans: Old, shredded jeans and clothing is used to make loose insulation commercially too.

Ridged foam insulation or foam board -- 2.5 times as effective, but more expensive.

a. Natural versions: perlite, vermiculite
b. Styrofoam

Blown-in insulation

a. Natural vegetable based
b. Traditional

Rolls and batts

a. Traditional
b. Wool thermal batts

Natural rolled insulation blankets

Foam-spray-expanding -- My favorite, easy to use and can spend ½ hour using-no mess or cleanup like other methods.

Don’t forget other heat-loss reducing actions such as Weather Stripping, Caulking, Plastic Wrap, and Door Snakes which are easy to make and inexpensive to buy. They do a great job of reducing air flow and can be moved from door-to-door easily.

Installation

The idea of “the more insulation used, the better” isn’t always true. Air flow is needed to reduce moisture build up that causes mold and other problems. Take advantage of free online courses or go to a local home improvement store for training (or a refresher) when doing any major insulation work.

Types of natural insulation

Black mountain sheep wool
Bio-based blown-in insulation
Many natural insulation products
Foil -- natural foil board insulation
Natural radiant barrier
Natural rolled insulation
Natural loose fill insulation
Old, shredded jeans

Click here to find an Energy Star location in your area. Please tell me what you think and add your stories and tips.

About the author:  Loretta White is a highly respected member of the global manufacturing industry and brings over 20 years experience in consulting. Loretta lectures on: Sales, Business Development and Green Business practices and is a published author on sustainability techniques.

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