Category Archives: Residential

How Much Can DIY Spray Foam Insulation Save You?

Spray Foam InsulationComfort is always a priority, whether you just invested in your first home, have recently moved into a new one, or are renovating your existing property. You want to make the area more comfortable for your household and your guests. One way you can do this is by investing in decent temperature regulation methods to keep you warm during winter and cool during summer.

When you’re looking for something to insulate your home efficiently, consider spray foam kits.

You might find yourself asking, “how does spray foam insulation work?” To put it simply, the product retains heat effectively, consequently lowering energy costs and utility bills. It results in comfortable and energy-efficient homes with quality insulation.

For installation, you may either use DIY spray foam insulation or look for professional installers to do the work, instead. Having said that, you need sufficient knowledge about both methods before deciding which one is more suitable for your specific needs.

Consider DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kits

Homeowners who want to install spray foam insulation themselves look into DIY spray foam kits such as Foam It Green and Tiger Foam.

Foam It Green is a DIY spray foam kit that considerably reduces your household’s heating and cooling costs. The insulating material has a high R-value — or thermal resistance determined by the type of insulation, thickness, and density; it features an R-value of 7 in a mere one-inch layer.

This type of DIY spray foam insulation does not just keep your home warm, though. It also enhances the indoor environment. It improves indoor air quality, eliminates drafts, withstands peak wind loads, and deters mold and pests. It also adds structural support and dulls sounds coming from the outside.

Simply put, Foam It Green is an all-around product that provides both air insulation and acts as a moisture barrier. As such, it saves on construction costs that you can instead use on other home maintenance or renovation-related expenses.

On the other hand, you may consider Tiger Foam’s DIY spray foam insulation products. The brand provides kits that demonstrate high performance which result in savings on monthly energy bills. Its product sprays provide good value for money, to the satisfaction of its customers.

Furthermore, Tiger Foam uses high-quality materials without CFCs, VOCs, PENTA-BDEs, and formaldehyde. You can install the insulation knowing that your family’s health is not at risk.

Whichever product you choose, you will save on the cost of hiring professional installers if you go the DIY way – this is what people find attractive about dealing with insulation on their own.

Catalog the Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam kits are often used for the walls and ceilings of new homes. DIY spray foam insulation, however, is a suitable choice if you need to seal minor cracks and gaps along walls, vents, or other house fixtures. Either way, the product provides financial advantages for your household.

Initially, spray foam insulation possibly reduces the heating and cooling costs that greatly affect your overall utility bills. Energy cost reduction is probably the most common benefit of this insulation type, but it wouldn’t hurt to point out that spray foam reduces the strain on your HVAC system, as well. It keeps warm air inside your home and prevents cold outdoor air from seeping through small cracks and into the indoor area.

On a related note, spray foam kits have no additional maintenance cost. Once you have foamed the walls, ceilings, and cracks of home, you no longer need to worry about maintenance or replacement.

Spray foam has also proven its environmental resilience. This type of insulation addresses moisture damage and can protect homes from changes in the weather, allowing you to save on repairs and weatherproofing.

Moisture damage occurs when the air condenses within the insulation — usually with the external transition from warm, moist air to cold, dry air. But since spray foam is an airtight insulation, it prevents air from entering and causing condensation, which then leads to moisture damage. Furthermore, the material stands as a weatherproofing agent that protects your home during extreme weather.

Additionally, spray foam kits contribute to overall home comfort. This type of insulation reduces outside noise and decreases the amount of dust and pollen that enter your home’s interior.

Ensure the Quality of Spray Foam Insulation Installation

Home Spray Foam InsulationDIY spray foam insulation kits offer the mentioned benefits; and, on top of the common benefits, choosing DIY lets you save on the fees that professional installers typically charge. But, there’s a downside to the DIY route: one wrong move, no matter how minor it may seem, could affect the overall functionality and efficiency of your insulation.

When you do spray foam insulation entirely by yourself, you’re risking installation mishaps. You are also more susceptible to using low-quality products. So, when you’re installing spray foam insulation, take note of the risks you must deal with.

First, the spray foam may not be thick enough. Spray foam insulation comes in two categories: open cell and closed cell, both of which insulate and act as an air barrier of the house structure. With DIY installation, however, you might miscalculate how thick the foam should be. This typically involves closed cell foam because it doesn’t completely fill the framing cavity, but it also happens with the other kind of cell foam.

Second, spray foam insulation should be airtight and if you choose DIY installation, you might miss certain air leakage areas. Even some professional installers overlook small cracks and gaps, causing the humidity in the air to interact with cold surfaces, a process which results in condensation. Consequently, you might have to later spend on otherwise preventable repairs. This likewise highlights the value of considering a reliable insulation company for your needs.

Third, you might spray too little or too much foam. Your home’s building envelope — which is a challenging concept on its own — requires proper alignment with the insulation to avoid excess heat loss and gain. You experience thermal bypass if you miss some areas, but you waste materials if you spray unnecessary extra foam.

And fourth, the material might contract and separate from the frame. When the spray foam pulls away from the base, it will lead to otherwise preventable heat loss or gain. While there is a lower risk of this happening than the first three risks, it is still a potential result of incorrect installation.

These are only some of the risks that come along with DIY installation. Having said that, think about hiring a trusted professional to do the job for you, instead.

Consider Professional Installation

Spray foam kits may be readily available for DIY installation. Nevertheless, because working with spray foam is not a walk in the park, you might want to consider working with professional installers for reliable home insulation. This way, you guarantee that the insulation is effective, cost-efficient, and provides optimum comfort in your home. In the long run, professional installation may be more cost-efficient after all, as you do away with potential damage to your property, wastage of materials, and other costly errors.

Discuss spray foam insulation concerns with your local insulation services provider to figure out exactly what your home needs.

An Overview on the Cost of Spray Foam Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation Old HouseA great alternative to traditional fiberglass insulation is spray foam insulation. This expandable foam substance helps cut down utility costs as it blocks outdoor cold and heat. Additionally, it offers protection against moisture and reduces noise. If you’re looking to install spray foam insulation in your home, note that there are two types available: open-cell and closed-cell spray foam. Their costs vary.

Cost Difference between Open- and Closed-Cell Spray Foams

Open-cell spray foam, otherwise known as half-pound foam, usually costs from $0.44 to $0.65 per board foot. Many consider this type of spray foam as the lighter and less costly option. Having a density of only half a pound per cubic foot, this spray foam insulation results in a springy, light barrier that has sound-dampening capabilities. Do remember, though, that the insulation layer and the efficient air barrier formed by an open-cell spray foam are suitable only for indoor applications.

Closed-cell spray foam, on the other hand, costs about $1 to $1.50 per board foot. This insulation material is more expensive and is four times denser than the open-cell type. Its density, in fact, comes in at two pounds per cubic foot. On top of that, its glue-like, thick structure offers a much higher R-value per inch while delivering a water vapor-resistant seal. A higher R-value, in theory, provides better insulation.

Factors that Affect the Price of Spray Foam Insulation

The kind of spray foam used, while important, is not the only thing that affects the overall spray insulation cost. Some of the factors include:

  • Siding – The siding of the building influences the cost of the insulation project; the property’s siding will make the contractors’ job easy or hard. Professionals who will work with vinyl siding will have an easy time. This material pops off easily, which allows a contractor to drill holes that will serve as the entry point of the spray foam. On the other hand, there’s more work involved when you have a brick siding. Installers would need to drill deep into the mortar just to get to a point where they can inject the spray foam. After injecting the foam and making sure the cavities are full, the contractors would need to use mortar to fill in the drilled holes.
  • Area – The amount of spray foam required for the project will mainly depend on the size of the area. If the entire building, for instance, requires spraying, then it will demand more spray foam. Conversely, it would be less demanding if only a section of the building needs spray foam. Another thing to consider regarding area is that varying quantities of open- and closed-cell spray foam will be required to insulate a square size. When you opt for closed-cell spray foam, for example, you will need more of this foam to cover square feet. The reason is that open-cell spray foam expands more than its counterpart.
  • Climactic Conditions – Another key factor in the cost of spray foam is the condition of the climate. Any change in climatic conditions affects the spray foam. A closed-cell spray foam is ideal for areas where checkmating of floods is required. On the other hand, the open-cell spray foam suits best the locations where flooding is uncommon.
  • Property Location – The location of a building may affect the required total cost as specific regions have their building codes. These codes affect the necessary overall spray foam quantity as well as the spray foam type.

Cost Difference for New and Existing Homes

Fiberglass Insulation New HomeWhen planning to use spray foam for insulation, keep in mind that there is a price difference in doing so for a new house and an existing home. It is easier to do a spray foam insulation in new construction than an old one. The installation company working on the new home can design the insulation for optimum defense against heat transfer, utility costs, and sound. Moreover, it makes sure that the insulation will work well.

The story is different when insulating an existing home. It can cost you additional time and money when you install spray foam insulation in homes that have existing insulation. Costs vary broadly, but the range is about $8,000 to $20,000. Given that not every house is the same, the best way to find out the exact amount would be to get a professional to visit your home and obtain an estimate.

Leave the Spray Foam Insulation to the Pros

While there are DIY foam insulation kits on the market that cost less than a thousand dollars, spray foam insulation is not something you should do on your own. It requires a certified professional who can complete the process effectively and safely. Here’s why it’s best to spend your money on certified insulation installers:

  • Safe Installation – Getting rid of old insulation (if doing spray foam insulation in an existing house) and installing new spray foam could pose health risks for homeowners. Leave the installation in the hands of trained installers. They would know how to effectively strip off old insulation that may contain hazardous chemicals and mold. Moreover, they will properly throw away the old insulation and safely apply the new spray foam.
  • Proper Installation – Your DIY insulation project could potentially turn into a big mess when you use improper tools and products or not know how much foam you need to apply. Hiring a contractor qualified to perform the spray foam insulation ensures that the work is finished right the first time.
  • Insulation Product Knowledge – It can be overwhelming to go with the best home insulation product on the market. Instead of you searching for the best products, leave that job to a qualified contractor. Contractors would typically have access to the best spray foam insulation products.
  • Right Tools – Contractors have the equipment necessary to do the job properly. They have specially calibrated machines, coveralls, ventilation masks, air compressors, generators, and other tools that will enable them to apply the right ratio of foam to finish the insulation job.

If you’re looking for professional spray foam specialists in Kansas City, turn to A+ Insulation. We can install spray foam insulation that will help cut down your energy expenses and minimize energy loss. Our on-site project managers will make sure to walk you through a comprehensive before-and-after explanation of the project for your peace of mind.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation energy evaluation.

Prepping the Upstairs: Ensuring a Winter-Ready Attic

Installing Attic InsulationA lot of preparations need to be done in anticipation of the winter months, including decorating homes, checking heating and cooling systems, and fortifying doors and windows. With the to-do list growing longer as the festivities draw near, homeowners might overlook preparations for one area of the house: the attic.

The little space upstairs that stores unused items and keeps ventilation in check plays a big role during the cold weather. It would be unwise to skip the winterizing measures for it. The problems in the attic could spoil the family’s holidays, after all.

Install or Inspect Existing Insulation

The attic plays a key role in maintaining a cozy home temperature. Without an adequate insulation installation, warm air inside the home will rise and escape through the roof. This will force the heating system to work harder and the energy bill to spike. If your attic is not insulated, now is the best time to call an expert in blown insulation in Kansas City.

It pays to have an expert check an already-insulated attic, too. Fluctuating temperatures, high-energy bills, and ice dams may indicate that the house is under-insulated.

Check for Pest Infestations

Spray bottleSome people might not visit their attic frequently, and, as a result, might not notice that pests have infested part of their living space and are damaging the attic. Rodents, for instance, could gnaw through containers and insulation material.

Pests could also put the family’s health at risk. Homeowners should look for signs of an infestation, like dead animals, fur or feathers, droppings, plant materials, nests, strange odors, and holes in the structure. Whether you can confirm the presence of pests or not, call a professional for help.

Plug the Holes

In relation to preventing pests, homeowners should make sure that critters have no more entryways by sealing off the holes. Other than barring pests from the attic, plugging cracks and crevices prevent warm air from escaping. Moreover, people should ensure that the attic door is tightly sealed to keep the warm air contained in the main living area.

For a stress-free holiday, trust us to keep your home warm and cozy. Get in touch with us today and learn about our extensive list of insulating services.

How to Prevent Ice Damming & Other Common Winter Problems

ice dam in the winterMany homeowners welcome the winter full of thrills and anticipation. But without preparation and planning, the weather can be treacherous and cause a series of problems along the way. Cold-weather condensation, ice, snow, and chilly winds bring all sorts of damages and problems in their wake, to which your home is not impervious.

Most household problems that occur during winter almost always have something to do with water and its unique properties. Understanding how water and air interact in your home and preparing early are essential steps to take to keep your family and home safe and comfortable throughout the season.

1. Ice Dams and Icicles

Ice damming refers to the buildup of icicles on the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings. More common in areas where deep snow accumulates, it forms when a thick layer of dry snow resting on the roof melts due to the heat coming through the roof’s surface. The melting snow then flows down the roof and freezes when it reaches a point of heat loss, a frozen surface, or an area that has no building heat.

Mitigation:

Ice dams only occur when the snow cover has high insulating properties and when the external temperature and amount of heat loss coming from the house are at the right portions (above and below 32 degrees Farenheit) over sustained periods of time. While a rare occurrence, it’s unwise to let the ice dam grow, as removing it can be dangerous. To prevent it from happening, and damaging your roof, control the heat loss from your home.

Snow is an essential ingredient to form ice dams, so it’s necessary to remove the snow, as well. A roof rake or push broom can do the trick. Just be extra careful when doing this on your own, as snow-covered roofs can be slippery. But a more long-term fix to this problem is to increase the insulation of your ceiling and attic after sealing air leaking paths between the house and attic space.

2. Frozen Pipes

When temperatures outside are below freezing, pipes that run against poorly-insulated exterior walls and unheated areas freeze up. When water freezes, it expands and causes pressure on what contains it, be it a metal or plastic pipe, then breaks. This frequently occurs in water supply pipes in the following areas:

  • Unheated and inadequately-insulated spaces like attics, basements, crawl spaces, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and garages
  • Pipes that can be exposed to severe cold, such as swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines or outdoor hose bibs
  • Pipes that pass through exterior walls without sufficient insulation

Mitigation:

Insulation is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent interior pipes from freezing. They add a significant layer of protection by allowing warmer air to stay inside. Before the onset of cold weather, drain your pipes externally and consider relocating them in areas that will have higher temperatures. It helps to know which pipes and areas are prone to freezing, which The Balance explains in this guide.

If they are fixed, consider products designed to protect external pipes, such as UL-listed pipe sleeves or “heat” tapes. Newspaper also offers a quick fix to areas that are less exposed to the cold. When it’s very cold outside and you’re going away, it’s wiser to leave the heat in your home. These methods may add up to your heating bill, but the cost doesn’t compare to having your pipes repaired or replaced.

3. Mold

mold in the window cornerMold is more often associated with high humidity, which occurs during warmer months. But it can be a concern during winter, too. In Missouri, for example, where winters are long and can yield high amounts of precipitation and cold-weather condensation, mold spores are likely to thrive. While mold is not a direct threat to human health, it can be burdensome to people with asthma and existing allergies and respiratory conditions.

Mitigation:

A surefire way to prevent mold from building up is by maintaining good air circulation and keeping everything dry inside your home. This entails heating areas in your home where water is present, such as bathroom and kitchen cabinets, kitchen, basement, and other areas where your water supply lines pass through.

Run the main exhaust fan or heat areas where water is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and water supply lines. When the weather outside is a not too harsh, don’t be afraid to open the windows to let fresh air in, but make sure that your exhaust fans are on. Before winter comes, have your pipes checked for leaks and early signs of water damage or mold growth, and address them right away.

4. Condensation

Condensation and dew point are common property damage culprits during the winter. When warmer and cooler elements come into contact, the amount of water vapor and relative humidity will increase, reducing the air’s capacity to hold water. Where there is excess water, there is substantial damage to property, including wood decay, mold growth, stained ceilings, and so on.

Mitigation:

The best way to prevent these damages is by expelling the air before condensation occurs. It’s common to find these problems in attics or humid living spaces, or where warm air is present and the temperatures outside are cooler. Effective attic ventilation and sufficient insulation help in mitigating these problems. To prevent condensation in basements or crawlspaces, dry out the rooms completely once you notice excess moisture, and install a vapor barrier. Adding an extra layer of insulation in basement walls will also curb this problem.

5. Structural Damage

Frigid temperatures and high relative humidity levels can cause significant damage to your home. Floods and leaks are quite common, not to mention the snow and ice buildup, which can add weight and excess pressure on your roof. Long before winter arrives, have your whole house inspected for potential structural issues, especially the parts of your roof that will be exposed to snow and ice.

Areas to check:

  • Electrical lines and water supply pipes
  • Hot water tanks
  • Disconnecting hoses
  • Gutters, eaves, and downspouts
  • Wood doors and window frames (see if they need recoating and re-caulking)

Mitigation:

Regular maintenance of your home’s important components and systems is the key to having a safe and comfortable winter. Take the time to check insulation, pipes, or equipment that start to look worn and consider replacing them. It’s more practical to be diligent with potential damages and spend a few bucks right now than to wake up one cold, winter night with a burst pipe or faulty exhaust fan.

Winter comes with an array of seasonal delights, both outdoors and indoors. But to have a safe, warm, and enjoyable winter, you must equip your house and take the necessary measures to ward off winter woes, from frozen pipes to mold growth.

Fiberglass, Spray Foam, or Cellulose: Which Home Insulation Should You Choose?

Home Insulation

It has long been known that home insulation comes with many benefits. For one, it helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, all year round. For another, it reduces dampness in your basement or crawlspace, keeping your home at lower risk of mold infestation. But more importantly, it dramatically lowers your monthly energy bills, as well as reduces your carbon footprint.

Now, you’re probably considering installing insulation materials in your home – but, which material should you choose? After all, each insulation type comes with a unique set of benefits. So, to help you decide, here’s a comprehensive comparison of different types of home insulation materials:

Fiberglass Insulation

Made from thin, lightweight glass fibers, fiberglass is a cost-effective and practical option for insulating a home. Its millions of bound fibers trap pockets of air and prevent heat from travelling through the material. These fibers also absorb and reduce even high levels of noise. It is fire resistant, as well as moisture resistant, on account of its glass-made fibers. Fiberglass insulation may come in various forms, such as batts and rolls, and it is commonly installed in attics, floors, crawl spaces, and basements.

  • Value Energy Savings – When we talk of fiber glass, it is important to keep the thermal resistance or R-value – the measure of resistance to heat flow through a given thickness – in mind. Standard fiberglass batts have an R-value between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch of thickness. But high-performance fiberglass insulations, such as the Blow-in-Blanket System (BIBS), offer the highest R-values attainable today. Remember, the higher the insulation R-value, the greater the heat flow resistance, and of course, this means more energy savings, as well. Just a bit of a reminder, though: the recommended R-value varies from region to region. So, the R-value where you live may be higher or lower, depending on the climate in the area. The specific location in the home in which you will install the fiberglass also affects the R-value recommendations.
  • Installation Requirements – To work properly, fiberglass insulation requires air sealing and walling-in. But, it doesn’t entail drying or curing time, thus, it doesn’t introduce any moisture into the wall or basement cavity.
  • Mold Resistance – While no material can fully prevent mold growth, fiberglass insulation is not a food source for health-harming mold spores. Plus, as mentioned above, it doesn’t readily absorb moisture, so it can help keep your basement, attic, or crawlspace dry all year long.
  • Sustainability – Fiberglass insulation often contains 40 to 60% recycled materials, depending on the manufacturer. It is also reusable at its end of life, and it doesn’t give off any potent greenhouse gasses.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation materials are composed of cellulose fibers made from paper, wood, or paperboard stock. It is a “blown-in” type of insulation which creates a virtual blanket around your attic or crawlspace for superior thermal efficiency.

  • Value Energy Savings – With an R-value of approximately R-3.5 per inch of thickness, cellulose insulation has a substantial thermal resistance ideal for most regions. What’s even more notable is its superb air-blocking quality that prevents air leakage through cracks, gaps, and voids in the wall or flooring. Air leakage is responsible for around one-third of a home’s heat loss; so, with cellulose insulation, your heating system doesn’t have to work too hard during colder months.
  • Installation Requirements – During installation, cellulose acts like a liquid, wrapping itself around the attic or basement walls and floors. It fills nooks and gaps that fiberglass batt insulation can’t, thus, it prevents air leakage. But like fiberglass, cellulose insulation still requires air sealing for optimal performance.
  • Combustibility – Cellulose material is commonly treated with chemicals before installation to make it non-combustible. The problem, however, is that the application is not standardized. In some cases, the fire resistance of the material wears off over time, putting the property at some degree of risk.
  • Mold Resistance – As it acts like a liquid during installation, cellulose insulation is a possible food source of mold spores, unless it is properly dried and cured. The risk level of mold growth when using this insulation type depends mainly on the quality of installation; hence, DIY installation is rarely encouraged.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam is a chemical-based insulation that contractors mix on-site to create the foam which they apply with a sprayer into wall cavities, crawlspaces, and attics. It is available in two options: the open cell foam and closed cell foam insulation. The latter is the more popular choice, as it is denser, stronger, and has a higher R-value. Once it becomes solid, the foam does not only serve as a powerful insulator, it also strengthens the area of application. The open-cell foam has lower R-value and is not water resistant, but it is more affordable; thus, some installers still prefer it for certain applications.

  • Value Energy Savings – Closed cell foam has a higher R-value (average of R-6.0) than other insulation materials. This is because, when installed, the foam expands up to 100 times its original size, filling every little space in the area. Plus, the foam doesn’t sag or settle, so, it prevents any gaps which would allow air leakage. With closed cell spray foam insulation, you can save a significant amount on your monthly energy bills.
  • Installation Requirements – Unlike cellulose and fiberglass, closed cell foam insulation no longer requires air sealing – that is, for as long as the contractors or installers have mixed and applied it properly. Many factors can influence the foam quality. These aspects include the mixing process, the age of chemicals, and the air temperature and humidity in the area during installation.
  • Combustibility – According to Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), spray foam insulation ignites at 700°F. To lower the risk of a house fire, you may ask your contractor to install a thermal or ignition barrier that can separate the insulated area from the occupied spaces in your home.
  • Mold Resistance – Spray foam insulation is made from chemicals; thus, it isn’t a source of food for mold spores. As mentioned earlier, closed cell spray foams are dense enough to insulate air and prevent drafts. They can keep the humidity of the area in check, preventing any mold from growing speedily.
  • Sustainability – While you can lower your carbon footprint by using fiberglass and cellulose insulation, you can’t say the same with spray foam materials. They are chemical-based products; thus, they are not reusable and there is no assurance that they don’t give off dangerous greenhouse gasses.

The Importance of Proper Installation

Insulating House AtticThere is no such thing as the best insulator, according to the Building Sciences Corporation (BSC). All the insulation materials work efficiently when properly installed and air sealed. So, apart from looking for the materials with features that meet your home needs, you need to search for a reliable installer, as well.

A+ Insulation, for instance, not only has the skill and know-how to properly install various types of home insulation, it is also well-versed with the material that best suits your needs. Professional contractors, after all, can guide you in selecting the insulation type that will provide optimal efficiency and value for money. Given the fact that all types can, in fact, provide efficient service when properly applied, your goal is to maximize the R-value you get for the dollar you spend.

So, before you proceed with buying insulation materials for your home, it is best to seek the counsel of a professional contractor. This a sure-fire way to get all the benefits that insulation can offer your property, as well as your family.

10 Creative Ways to Stay Cool While Conserving Energy This Summer

Summer Vacation

Summer is a wonderful time to slow down, bond with the family, rekindle past hobbies, and spend plenty of time outdoors to just soak up the sun. But, such activities demand a comfortable home environment. Keeping your home cool during the summer months can be very expensive, but a little effort will go a long way.

Here are a few practical and creative ideas to take a load off your air conditioner and still stay cool this summer:

1. Plant Vines and Trees

Vines and trees not only add a vertical touch to your landscape, they also give your home an immediate cooling effect. Climbers and creepers, such as ivy, bougainvillea, and Russian vine, act as natural shading from the sun and cool your home in a process called evapotranspiration. And, if that’s not enough to convince you, those twining leaves and perfectly spaced flowers add an extra layer of privacy and charm, as well. Trees can likewise boost your home’s curb appeal.

2. Get an Attic Fan

We all know that heat rises, and having good ventilation in your attic can eliminate the need to turn your AC on for hours. Having an attic fan comes in handy in humid subtropical regions, such as Missouri. Attic fans are 10-15% more energy efficient than a central air conditioning system. Just make sure your attic vents or windows are open while the fan is running.

3. Cook Outside

Summer is a great time for fun-filled backyard cookouts and pool parties. And guess what? Cooking outside can help cut your cooling costs, too. Indoor cooking tends to use up a lot of energy and cause heat to remain inside your home, prompting your AC to work even harder. It’s also a chance to give your oven a break and to allow your kitchen to breathe. So, get yourself a grill and take the cooking outside whenever possible.

4. Replace Your Bulbs with LEDs

If you’re still lighting your home with incandescent bulbs, consider giving your fixtures an upgrade. LEDs and CFLs are big energy savers and don’t generate much heat compared to incandescent bulbs. They are a little more expensive than ordinary bulbs, but they last much longer. Choose white to yellow tones, or preferably those that are dimmable or offer convenient features, such as motion and daylight sensors.

5. Insulate Your Windows

Installing Window InsulationUnprotected windows are a major source of solar heat gain. Get the most out of your current windows by adding extra layers of protection and insulation. Replacing old weatherstipping is a cost-effective, all-season trick to save energy and enjoy a better quality of indoor air. Cover windows you rarely open with clear plastic to prevent cool air from escaping from the room. Solar shades, low-emissivity window films, or awnings make great home additions, as well, as they prevent direct sunlight and glare from affecting your home’s indoor environment.

6. Mount a Programmable Thermostat

While it’s nice to relish the cool air after a long day out in the sun, you should always keep the temperature in check. Thermostat setbacks are where the energy savings come from, and raking in more energy savings rests on how well you program the device. Also, when buying a programmable thermostat, make sure it’s compatible with your home’s heating and cooling equipment.

7. Build a Green Roof

A green roof doesn’t always include vegetation and complicated systems. It’s an umbrella term for roofing techniques that improve a building’s thermal performance. As your home’s first line of defense, your roof should be reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing heat. Paint your shingles with bright-colored, high-reflectance paint, or replace them with Energy Star-rated metal roofs.

8. Do Your Chores at Night

Appliance gains make up a huge chunk of a home’s cooling load, even greater than heat gains coming from the windows and attic ducts. Logic follows that the more appliances you have, the more energy you use. The lingering presence of heat coming from ovens, refrigerators, clothes dryers, electric devices, and other modified appliances can thwart your efforts to keep cool. It’s advisable to do household chores that involve the use of these appliances at night, where the air outside is cooler.

9. Sleep with the Windows Open

If the air quality outside is favorable and you don’t have allergies, try opening your windows at night to let the cool air flow inside and replace the warm air. Breathing air-conditioned air for prolonged periods can cause certain discomforts, such as dry nasal and throat passages, among other things. Let your room and lungs breathe better for a night or two if the warm air is still manageable. Sleeping with the windows open can benefit your overall wellbeing, as it promotes better sleep and reduces dehydration.

10. Add Energy-efficient Insulation

Updating your home’s insulation is a low-cost and long-term solution for year-round comfort and reduced energy bills. Insulating your home can significantly increase your home’s thermal performance. Plus, it eliminates the need to crank up the AC because a properly insulated home doesn’t take long to cool. To know how much insulation you should get and which areas you should insulate, have a reputable contractor, such as A+ Insulation, perform a free evaluation.

These are just some of the many energy payback projects you can do before the summer heat sets in. With these tried and true methods, you won’t need to break the bank or pull off a major green-oriented home remodel. Identifying the various cooling loads in your home and understanding the physics behind air movement are not easy tasks, but they are useful in reaching your energy-saving goals. So, roll up your sleeves and try these DIY fixes to keep your cooling costs down every summer.

The Role of Insulation in Improving Thermal Comfort and Lowering Your Energy Bill

Roof Insulation

When you realize that a sizeable sum of your hard-earned money goes to heating and cooling your home, you’d think of as many ways to reduce your energy consumption. Think no further: insulation could be the answer to helping you create a more energy efficient home. Insulation is, by far, the most practical and potent way of reducing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. But, before anything else, one needs to know how insulation, or the lack thereof, affects a building’s thermal environment – and why so much energy is potentially saved or wasted, as a result.

While it is your home’s HVAC system that conditions the air coming in and out of your home, it is insulation that adds layers of thermal and moisture protection which allows heating and cooling to occur most efficiently and suitably. In the U.S., however, the decision to insulate a home comes down to the regulations that exist where you live. Tropical or arid regions may not need insulation at all. But, it’s not to say that insulation is solely for cold climates. In temperate regions, the immediate or pressing need for insulation may not seem as great, and it becomes a matter of choice to arrive at how much insulation, R-values, and weatherizing your home requires.

While Kansa City is in the humid subtropical region of the Midwest, its proximity to large bodies of water makes it susceptible to hot and cold swings, all year round. Thus, every home requires additional layers of thermal protection. As far as insulation is concerned, homeowners must stay in compliance with the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.

Why Insulate Your Home?

Insulation offers numerous benefits to homeowners and the environment. On top of creating a suitable home environment, it increases energy efficiency, resulting in lower energy bills. These advantages become more apparent down the line, making insulation projects a worthwhile investment. To find out exactly how much savings your insulation is generating, you can hire a qualified energy auditor for a thorough assessment of your home’s energy needs.

An audit is also useful if you’re planning to install new insulation or to upgrade your equipment. Either way, the results of the audit can help you make wiser decisions when it comes to consuming energy. Moreover, it will give you an idea on which insulation technique or material will get the job done. On top of that, watch out for state and federal incentive programs for your insulation investment, and see if they can amp up your home’s ROI.

Mapping Energy Loss in Homes

Before digging into which areas in your home require insulation, it’s important to understand heating and cooling mechanisms inside the home and how energy losses occur daily. It’s safe to say that any area of the home has the potential to lose and to save energy. By conducting a thorough walk-through of your home, you’ll spot many areas which allow outdoor air to seep in, and indoor air to escape.

The principles of heat transfer explain how heat from the outdoors is transferred to your home then to your body. There are three processes involved, namely conduction, radiation, and convection. Heat is carried away by air, which absorbs the heat and then rises. Warmed air rises around you while cooler air moves in to take its place and takes in more of your body’s warmth. How much energy you lose depends on your local climate and existing insulation.

Air Buoyancy

Buoyancy is the relevant principle at work in indoor environments. Heat rises and falls, but temperature difference is what drives heat to move in any given direction. When the air is colder outside, we consume more energy and spend more money pumping heat into our homes. If scrimping on energy bills or increasing efficiency is the goal, a little consistency and effort are necessary to control indoor-to-outdoor variances.

Thermal Resistance

Understanding the thermal conductivity of insulation materials is the key to maximizing energy savings. Thermal resistance or conductivity is the principle behind measuring R-values. Thermal performance is better when the R-value of the insulation material is higher. In other words, the higher the thermal performance of a material, the better its insulating properties are. Therefore, each area of your home that needs insulating may not necessarily require the same thickness or material.

Whereas thickness is the main consideration when measuring R-values, U-values consider the amount of heat lost through a given thickness or building material. It also considers the three ways in which heat loss occurs (convection, conduction, and radiation), as well as indoor and outdoor temperatures and additional thermal resistances.

Insulating Your Home

Knowing where you need to add insulation is the first step. Any area in your home that allows air to enter or escape should have sufficient insulation. These areas include your attic, walls, floors, crawl space, and basement. By insulating these areas, you will achieve the desired level of thermal protection, prolong the life of your HVAC equipment, and keep your family cozy and comfortable all year.

Attic

Insulating House AtticAttic insulation is one of those home upgrades you need to prioritize as early as possible. Since heat rises, logic follows that warm air will try to escape your home through your attic and roof. Studies reveal that insulating your attic will account for approximately 30% of your energy savings. A poorly insulated attic not only places bigger demands on your HVAC equipment, it also allows nearly 85% of your home’s heat to escape. Moreover, gravity will take its toll on your home, as poor insulation can yield damages from the top down, such as weakening the integrity of your ceilings and walls.

Walls

After the attic, your home’s walls are major escape routes for heat. Most household heat escapes though windows and gaps around doors. Outdoor winds may also push cold air inside, via these gaps, displacing the warm air that’s inside your home. Heat may likewise escape through conduction, which you can address through double-glazing, caulking, and cavity wall insulation. Cavity insulation also prevents air from circulating inside the crevice, resulting in a reduction of heat loss by convection.

Floor

In-floor heating takes up a large percentage of your monthly energy bills, accounting for approximately 15% of the total amount. During cold winter months, we greatly depend on our warm floors to keep cozy and comfortable at home. Under-floor heating utilizes the principle of radiation (heat radiates through the flooring); but convection also takes place, resulting in potential heat loss. Insulation, on the other hand, traps the air in its fibers, and this reduces heat loss by conduction. While up-front costs of improving your floor insulation can be sizable, the monthly energy savings you’ll enjoy may very well compensate for that. And in as little as three years, your investments will start paying off.

Crawl Space

A crawl space is out of sight, but should not be out of mind. Without proper insulation, outdoor elements will take over. When it is perpetually damp, your crawlspace will become susceptible to pest infestations and mold and mildew formation, given that it is unventilated. Consequently, these will result in structural damage and reduced underfoot comfort. For homes in areas with colder climates, filling crawl space joists with a thick layer of fiberglass insulation or closed-cell spray foam can function both as thermal and moisture protection.

Basement

Insulating a basement works similarly as with a slab or crawlspace. But, if you intend your basement to be functional, such as for storage or extra living space, expect it to make a significant dent on your utility bill. As ventilation in basements is either minimal or nonexistent, keeping it comfortable will eat into a big portion of your energy budgets. To help keep costs down, consider insulating the room. When finishing your basement, fill the spaces between joists with insulation materials of high R-value, such as spray foam, which don’t hold moisture and lock in conditioned air. With proper framing and insulating techniques, you can achieve a comfortable, moisture-free basement that’s optimally energy efficient.

Other Issues to Consider

On top of meeting local building regulations, homeowners should also ensure that their insulation upgrades are appropriate to the home’s overall design. You should give a lot of thought to the material and the possible hazards that come with each. In fiberglass insulation, for instance, improper handling could pose safety issues. Some insulation products, such as fibers, beads, or foam, also pose fire and health hazards. And, more importantly, before installing insulation, the area and building components should be completely dry, clean, and structurally sound. Hiring a reputable contractor takes this burden off your shoulders and ensures that your investment is beneficial, worthwhile, and safe. Additionally, you should look at the need for minor repairs or improvements on any of these areas of your home as an opportunity to improve the standard of insulation. So, the next time you see your utility bills soar or experience inefficiencies in your home’s HVAC system, always consider that poor insulation (or the complete absence of it) may be contributing to the situation.

In the cold, drab days of winter, nothing could be better than being enveloped in warmth. Insulating these key areas in your home enable you to save money and to maximize efficiency gains from the top down, all while ensuring year-round comfort.

Window replacement vs insulation

Considering DIY? 10 Reasons to Leave Insulation to the Professionals

insulation in attic with ladder next to itToday so many homeowners like to do-it-themselves and, in many cases, they do a darn good job. But in the world of construction, there are a few projects that are better left to the professionals. One of those is insulating your home.

Here are 10 reasons insulation jobs can get tricky:

  1. Homeowners have a difficult time deciding what kind of insulation they need. The products available today have an R-value (a measure of resistance to heat flow through a particular thickness of material), an exact depth based on the location, and come in varying types.
  2. There are laws concerning how to remove old insulation and where and how disposal can take place.
  3. Lights and ventilation devices in the area of insulation replacement, need sealing.
  4. An inspection is necessary for mold, mildew, and animal infestation before the area can receive the insulation material.
  5. Any sections of the location that are in disrepair need upgrading to the original structural standards.
  6. If the insulation installation is near the HVAC or mechanical system, both require inspection and repair, if necessary. In some cases, these systems will require changes.
  7. The person installing the insulation must understand the current building codes in the state and city where the work occurs.
  8. Knowledge of energy efficiency regulations is imperative.
  9. To properly install insulation, certain tools are necessary that most DIY-ers do not possess.
  10. Another fact that many homeowners are unaware of is how important air circulation is when insulating. In the attic, contractors use “baffles” to get the job done. Baffles  (sometimes called venting chutes, insulation baffles, rafter vents, or wind baffles) are made of light materials such as rigid foam board, cardboard, or polyvinyl chloride, and are stapled into position in key places to increase airflow.

Related Reads: 4 Ways DIY Attic Insulation Can Go Wrong 

Weekend Warriors are enthusiastic, learn quickly, and love what they do, but for your insulating project, consider it well worth hiring a quality insulation installation company. Give us a call to find out more!

A+ Quality in Every Insulation Installation

house wrapped in cozy covers and is insulatedInsulation is seldom discussed but is crucial to the well-being, comfort, and protection of a family. Often, the original insulation installed will last for many years. But sometimes, problems happen, such as:

  • Older homes that have insulation that is hazardous to the family’s health.
  • Leaks in the roof of the house have damaged the existing insulation.
  • There are times when the insulation material is not compatible with modern electrical lighting in the ceiling it is covering.
  • Some builders have erroneously vented exhausts to the attic space. Humid exhaust air gets trapped in your insulation, thereby ruining it.
  • The insulation installation was inadequate
  • Owners may want to use the attic for storage or an extra room.
  • According to many experts, any home over five years old needs to have its insulation evaluated.

So, at some time or another, you are going to need to insulate your home. And at A+ Insulation, we make sure our customers know exactly what to expect if they need new insulation.

With our 14-Step Installation Process, you will understand how long the installation will take, how we protect your home, how much it will cost, what to expect, and why we include so much in the process. We tell you up-front so there are no surprises, no inconveniences, and no unknowns. You can relax with A+ because we will keep you informed.

A Breakdown of Our 14-Point Installation Process:

  1. Initial Contact – First, call or email us and we will set an appointment to inspect your home.
  2. Free, In-Home, No-Obligation, Inspection – We tell you where and how much insulation you will need.
  3. Free Estimate – We provide a free, upfront estimate before any work begins so you never get a surprise bill with add-ons or extras you were not expecting.
  4. Free Home Energy Evaluation – The home energy evaluation helps us see where your home is leaking energy so we know exactly which problem areas to fix.
  5. Pre-Installation Walk-Through – Before we begin working, we take you on a walk through the project area to explain where and why insulation is necessary.
  6. Scheduling – We set a date that fits your schedule.
  7. Job Length Estimation – After assessing the project, we give you a time estimate of how long we will be in your home from start to cleanup.
  8. Project Debris – We take special care to protect your home and your family from any contact with our insulation materials or our equipment. We want your home to look perfect when we leave.
  9. Installation – We not only install the insulation, but we go the extra mile to seal all leaks where air can escape.
  10. Post-Installation Walk-Through – A+ wants to leave its customers completely satisfied with the job. When the project concludes, we show you our work so you know we did exactly what we said we would do.
  11. Before & After Photos – To make sure there is no doubt about our completed project, we provide photographic evidence that shows attics and crawl spaces, which would otherwise be hard to see, insulated completely and correctly.
  12. Cleanup – We always leave your home as clean as we found it.
  13. Final Payment – Once we are positive you are completely satisfied with our work, we accept final payment.
  14. Comfort Assurance – We leave you comfortable with the job, with the price, and with our company. We also leave you in the comfort of your well-insulated home.

Related Read: Insulation Installation – The Devil Is in the Details

Quality in Every Insulation Installation

A+ does not want its customers to have any surprises when it comes to their home insulation process. Nothing is worse than contracting with a company that does not live up to its promises and the owner’s expectations. That will not happen with A+. The most important issue for us is that your home insulation is up to or even better than all local building codes for your area. Since 90% of homes in the U.S. are under-insulated, yours could very well be one of them. And, oh yes, one more thing; the proper insulation will make a noticeable difference in your heating and cooling bills. Let us know if need our assistance.

If you’d like to save money on your energy bills, give A+ Insulation a call at (913) 281-2250 or (816) 268-7511 or contact us online.

Compare before you hire. Use this handy list to know which questions to ask when comparing insulation companies. Download by clicking on the image below:  

Checklist

Make Your Home Energy Efficient This Summer

Home Energy Bill SavingsAir conditioning season can be brutal on your budget. Energy bills soar and it makes you start to question everything about your home. Is your air conditioner losing efficiency? Does your home need more insulation? Should you invest in new, energy-efficient windows? The team at A+ took a look at all of your options.

Look at Investment Vs. Savings

It’s a struggle to know which decision is the right one. At A+ Insulation, we see homeowners struggle with energy issues year round, especially when the temperatures soar or dip into the extremes. Naturally, we’d like to sell you some insulation. That is our business, after all. But when looking at high energy bills, many homeowners consider the energy savings before making a decision to purchase, but it’s the investment cost that you should be looking at. Let us break it down for you.

The Top Three Ways to Significantly Reduce Your Energy Bills

If you want to significantly reduce your energy bills, you have three main choices:

  • New Replacement Windows
  • New, High-Efficiency Air Conditioner
  • Add Insulation  

Let’s look at savings vs. investment with numbers we found on the internet:

Install New Replacement Windows

Windows are a source of 25% of a home’s heat loss.

Savings – According to the Energy Star website, installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows lowers energy bills. For a typical home, save: $126–$465 a year when replacing single-pane windows. $27–$111 a year when replacing double-pane, clear glass replacement windows.

Investment – According to Houselogic, the range for energy-efficient window pricing varies greatly, but Energy Star-qualified windows start around $120 for a 36-inch-by-72-inch, single-hung window and can go up to 10 times that. With labor, you’re looking at about $270 to $800+ per window.

Conclusion – Savings up to $465/yr vs. Minimum Investment $2,700 (for 10 windows).

Install a New Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner

Heating and cooling costs account for about half of your home’s energy expenses.

Savings – Using the Lennox energy savings calculator, and using Kansas as our geographic point,  if you replaced your old (10 SEER) air conditioner with an energy efficient (15 SEER) air conditioner, you would save 33% on your home cooling bills

($375 over a 5-year period) which calculates to $75/yr.

Investment – According to HomeAdvisor, 2017 prices for new air conditioners range from $1,900 to $5,100.

Conclusion – Savings up to $75/yr vs. Minimum Investment $1,900.

Install Attic Insulation

Roughly 25% of a home’s heat seeps out through the attic and roof.

Savings – According to House Logic, adding insulation (based on boosting the amount of attic insulation from R-11 to R-49) can lower heating and cooling costs by as much as $600/yr.

Investment – Using the same source, depending on the type of materials you choose, figure on paying about $1,500 to insulate an 800-square-foot attic, which pays back your investment in three years.

Conclusion – Savings up to $600/yr vs. Minimum Investment $1,500.

Savings Vs. Investment Makes It Clear – Insulation Is the Smart Choice

So the bottom line is, if you’re looking for energy savings, but you’re not ready to drop thousands on a new heating and cooling system or new replacement windows, adding insulation is the obvious choice. Insulation is the lowest monetary investment that yields that greatest energy savings.  

If you’d like to save about $600 a year on your energy bills and be more comfortable in your home, give A+ Insulation a call at (913) 281-2250 or (816) 268-7511 or contact us online to schedule your insulation installation appointment.

Window replacement vs insulation