Category Archives: Air Sealing

Energy Efficient Holiday Gifts

Posted on by
Reply

Energy Efficient Holiday Gifts

If you or someone you know breaks into a sweat each time an email with the subject line “your bill is ready” is received, choosing energy efficient gifts could reduce the amount of energy consumed and wasted. Here are our picks for energy efficient holiday gifts for every man, woman, and child on your list.

For the Foodie

Do you know someone who doesn’t have an Instant Pot yet? Hint, hint! There are different options but the most popular, according to Amazon reviewers, seems to be the six-quart with seven functions. One pot can literally replace seven appliances! This appliance also uses up to 70% less energy, cooking the receiver’s favorite dishes in a fraction of the time, than conventional cooking methods. For example: Pot roasts can be put on the dinner table in 30 minutes, where it ordinarily would have taken four hours in the oven. This gift idea can be found online and at most any retailer.

For the Audiophile

Whether they like listening to music or audiobooks, Bluetooth speakers are a can-never-go-wrong option. They can be used at home, the lake (look for one that features water resistance), or even while traveling. You will quickly find that there is a wide range of speakers available, from pocket-sized to large-scale, but what they all share is portability. Most also offer superior sound quality, incredible battery life, and energy efficiency. Many are compatible with other smart devices as well. Tech Radar rates the UE Boom 2 as “the best Bluetooth speaker.”

For the Homeowner

Okay, you caught us; we’re including you in our energy efficient holiday gift guide. After all, you are equally important. One of the best gifts you can provide yourself, that will keep on giving, is the gift of insulation and air sealing. Together, these services help provide home comfort, regardless of the season. Ensuring the right R-value for your climate (level of thermal resistance) is installed in your attic, walls or floors will also help you save money.

For the Tech Lover

It’s never been easier to maintain a comfortable temperature and save on heating and cooling costs. Smart thermostats include a related app that the intended recipient can use to monitor and adjust temperatures from anywhere, anytime. There are also more advanced thermostats that rely on sensors to detect whether anyone is home. These thermostats learn their comings and goings in short order, changing to the pre-programmed Home and Away temperatures. These products are also compatible with some of the most sought-after smart speakers.

For the Health Conscious

If you’re shopping for someone who suffers from asthma or allergies, give the gift of clean air. Air purifiers filter indoor air, removing particles, such as dust and pollen. They aid in promoting a healthier living environment. Air cleaners are available in a variety of sizes and are generally quite portable. In the spirit of healthy living, an indoor air quality monitor is another great gift idea. These devices can provide the giftee with a good picture of their indoor air quality. The best devices monitor temperature and humidity as well as PM2.5, CO2, and other toxins/chemicals.

Happy Holidays!

~ From your friends at Banker Insulation

Best Applications for Spray Polyurethane Foam

Posted on by
Reply

Spray polyurethane foam

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF), available in either open-cell or closed-cell, provides stellar insulating performance. It expands to fill gaps, cracks and holes, creating a thermal barrier around a building’s envelope. This results in reduced air and moisture infiltration.

There are many additional advantages to sprayed insulation as well. For example: Energy efficiency, sound dampening, and durability. Homeowners will also benefit from reduced heating and cooling costs.

SPF Types & How It Works

There are three primary types of SPF: High-density, medium-density, and low-density.

Medium- and high-density, also called closed-cell foam has a higher R-value per inch (6.5), making it an ideal choice for exterior roofing, interior wall cavity fill, and unvented attic applications.

With a lower R-value per inch (3.5), low-density, or open-cell foam is often used for interior wall cavity fill and unvented attic applications. Both open-cell and closed-cell require professional installation.

A basic understanding of R-values is helpful when comparing any insulating material. R-value measures the insulation’s ability to reduce heat flow through a building’s envelope. The higher the value, the better. For recommendations, visit ENERGY STAR.

Source: “Recommended Home Insulation R-Values,” ENERGY STAR.GOV, 1999.

Spray polyurethane foam is made by mixing and reacting two liquids – “A” and “B” – to create foam. Mixing takes place on site using truck-mounted equipment. A professional insulator contractor then sprays it into place using special tools.

SPF expands on contact to form air and moisture barriers. This helps ensure a consistent temperature year ‘round – ultimately creating a comfortable living or working environment.

Where is Spray Polyurethane Foam Used?

Attics

Adding SPF to the attic is cost-effective. Because it expands, spray foam can effectively fill even the smallest gap, crack or hole in attics and crawlspaces. Combined with attic air sealing, it can also provide a moisture barrier, reducing the risk for mildew or mold growth.

Roofing

Spray polyurethane foam is often used in combination with protective coatings and other materials in the construction of a cool roof. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, cool roofs can save homeowners money on cooling costs in hot climates, but may increase costs in colder climates.

Interior Wall Cavities

Spray foam can be installed in a home’s wall cavities during new construction or renovations. There it can fill small cracks. The benefits for this project include sound proofing, energy efficiency, and increased comfort.

For more information on this and other types of insulation, contact Banker Insulation at (602) 273-1261 for a free quote.

Slashing Energy Costs with Smart Tech

Posted on by
Reply

slashing energy costs

The benefits of smart tech or more accurately, home automation technology include slashing energy costs and greater convenience. Lots of smart tech products, such as smart plugs, smart bulbs, programmable thermostats, and energy monitoring systems are compatible with one another and, using IFTTT applets, let you set different triggers to automate regular home processes; heating and cooling included. If you’re interested in slashing energy costs with smart tech, there’s no better time to start than now.

Here are some products we love.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs let you control various “dumb” devices without needing to be in the room or, for that matter, the house. Smart plugs play nicely with both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, along with integrating easily with other smart home products, such as light bulbs. They can be controlled with a compatible app or if you have an Amazon echo, Google Home or Apple HomeKit, your voice. No more wasting electricity by leaving the TV on when no one is watching it with a smart plug.

Smart Bulbs

Smart bulbs connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and work with several popular home automation platforms to provide a degree of control and interactivity that you just can’t get with traditional bulbs. With a smart bulb like Philips Hue White, you can schedule your lighting fixtures, ensuring you come home to a lit house without wasting electricity. Some bulbs can also automatically dim when it’s time to get ready for bed.

Programmable Thermostats

According to ENERGY STAR, the proper use of a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in home energy costs. Take the guess work out of heating and cooling your home with a smart thermostat like the Nest Learning Thermostat, which learns what temperature you find most comfortable, and builds a schedule around yours to eliminate unnecessary energy use.

Energy Monitoring Systems

Do you want to cut your energy use to save money and/or reduce your carbon footprint? You may want to have a professional energy audit completed and purchase an affordable home energy monitoring system. These systems connect to your circuit breaker and send detailed, up-to-date information about your energy consumption straight to your smartphone or tablet in a user-friendly format, affording you the opportunity to take control of slashing your energy costs.

Winter Energy Conservation Tips

Posted on by
Reply

Winter Energy Conservation Tips

Use less energy without sacrificing comfort with these six winter energy conservation tips.

Change Your Filter Regularly

The changing season – from fall to winter – is the perfect time to change the filter in your HVAC unit. This easy, cost-effective task allows your heating system to operate more efficiently, ensuring better distribution of heat. You should check and change your filter once a month; HEPA filters every few months.

Reverse Those Ceiling Fans

During winter, switch the direction that your ceiling fan blades turn, so that cooler air is drawn upwards and warmer air pushed down into your living spaces. This allows you to turn the temperature down and still stay warm. There is generally a small switch on the fan that allows you to reverse the blade’s direction. Remember, clockwise in winter, and counterclockwise in summer.

Turn Down the Thermostat

When you’re home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable, dressing for warmth. When you’re asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day, and save up-to 10 percent a year on heating/cooling costs. Smart or programmable thermostats can adjust the temperature for you.

Insulate Your Attic

To maintain comfort, heat loss must be mitigated in the winter by ensuring an effective resistance to the flow of heat, which is something insulating materials do quite well. Plug your zip code into the U.S. Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver tool to find insulation recommendations tailored to your specific zone and home.

Replace Worn Weatherstripping

Worn weatherstripping around doors and windows creates drafts, letting cold air in, and heated air out. Caulking and weatherstripping – found at your local home improvement store – are two cost-effective ways to cut heating/cooling costs and increase occupant comfort. Before air sealing, you should schedule an energy audit.

Schedule a Home Energy Audit

An energy audit can help you determine where your house is losing energy and money.  A professional technician – often called an energy auditor – will check for leaks, examine insulation, inspect your heating system, perform a blower door test, and more using an infrared camera. The technician will then recommend low-cost improvements to save energy, such as increasing your insulation or sealing air leaks.

Use LED Holiday Lights

Incandescent holiday lights are terribly inefficient, and despite careful storage, often emerge damaged. LEDs, while a little more expensive, are a much better option. They use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. Because they also produce very little heat, they are much safer to use for both indoor and outdoor lighting. Additionally, during the biggest holiday shopping weekend – Thanksgiving through Black Friday – many retailers sell LEDs for a fraction of the cost, making them very affordable.

Air Sealing Basics

Posted on by
Reply

air sealing

While it’s well-known that homes require insulation to mitigate heat loss through walls, ceilings and floors, the concept of air sealing is often less understood. Yet, the Green Building Advisor states that, “one third of the energy you pay for probably leaks through holes in your house.”

Air leaks occur when outside air enters and conditioned air leaves your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. In addition to wasting energy, air leaks may contribute to moisture problems, and poor indoor air quality (U.S. Department of Energy, 1999).

Air sealing will save you money on heating and cooling costs, improve system longevity, and increase occupant comfort. It will also help to create a healthier indoor environment. Air sealing doesn’t require much effort, and is generally very cost-productive.

Air Sealing Measures

Some measures you can do yourself include:

  • Caulking around windows and doors
  • Installing foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates
  • Installing weatherstripping around windows and doors (include the garage door)
  • Replacing door bottoms (thresholds) with those that feature pliable gaskets

Other sources of air leaks, such as attic and lighting fixture penetrations, are best addressed by a professional. Before beginning any of these measures, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive energy audit performed, which includes both a visual inspection and thermal imaging scan. An energy audit can detect cold spots, air leaks and intrusion, energy-hogging appliances, and insufficient insulation levels.

Save with Energy Upgrade Rebates

Good news! There are several energy upgrade rebates available that make air sealing substantially more affordable. Eligible homeowners can recoup 75% of their project costs; up to $250 for air sealing and up to $400 for insulation through SRP. To check eligibility requirements, click here. We are an SRP Certified Contractor. APS and Electrical District No. 3 offer similar rebates.

Multiple Applications for Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Posted on by
Reply

spray foam insulation

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is renowned for being a superior material for both residential and commercial projects. Its unique application allows it to improve energy-efficiency while also enclosing conditioned air inside the structure, thus, reducing the amount of money spent on wasted energy. It’s also virtually impervious to moisture, preventing the loss of R-value, as well as the growth of mold.

Because it will not shrink or settle, its high R-value – it can achieve an R-20 at 3 inches and R-41 at 6 inches – and acoustical performance lasts the life of a structure. It is manufactured on site by combining an isocyanate and a polymeric resin through state-of-the-art equipment. Properly installed, closed-cell spray foam insulation can adhere to a wide variety of substrates including concrete, metal and wood.

Applications for closed-cell spray foam insulation include:

  • Roofs: Spray foam insulation can be used as a re-roofing material, applied directly on the existing roof structure, providing two important benefits: 1) waterproofing and 2) increased R-value. This application is more commonly seen in commercial building rather than residential.
  • Exterior walls: One of the positive attributes of spray foam insulation is its versatility. It’s compatible with many wall types and can be sprayed onto the exterior sheathing in new construction projects, or assimilated between stud cavities in retrofit situations.
  • Interior walls: Upgrading insulation with spray foam insulation allows you to benefit from fewer drafts, more consistent indoor temperatures, better indoor air quality, and reduced noise pollution. Similar benefits can be achieved when installed under floors.
  • Custom insulation applications: Contact for more information

Banker Insulation specializes in insulating your residential and commercial building envelope using the highest-quality insulation materials. Our experienced team is ready to partner with you on your next project. Call us today at 602-273-1261. For a free quote, click here.

6 Energy Efficient Ways to Beat the Heat this Summer

Posted on by
Reply

beat the heat

Air conditioning may ensure your comfort during the summer, but running it non-stop during a heat wave will have you cringing when your utility bill arrives in the mail. The good news is that there are several ways you can beat the heat this summer without increasing your energy bills.

Here are some energy efficient ways to beat the heat that’ll pay off immediately.

Use your ceiling fans wisely. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down, creating a wind chill effect. This allows you to set the thermostat at a higher temperature without sacrificing comfort. Portable fans produce the same effect. Turn them off when you leave the room.

Draw the curtains. During the day, room temperatures can rise by as much as 20 degrees, especially in areas with windows that get direct sunlight. Keep your curtains closed during the summer. Blackout curtains are often the most effective at reducing heat gain.

Switch out your light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs produce a lot more heat than you might think. They are also considered the least energy efficient. LEDs (light emitting diodes) use only 20-25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than the traditional light bulbs they replace. Choose bulbs that are ENERGY STAR certified.

Clean or change you’re A/C filters once a month. Your air conditioner consumes 5-10% more energy if the filter is clogged or dirty. You should change or clean the filter out on your A/C unit once a month.

Avoid using your stove or oven during the day. One of the last things you want to do on a hot day is generate more heat. Wait until sundown to use your stove or oven. Use smaller appliances, such as hot plates, crockpots, pressure cookers, and microwaves during the day. Small appliances have the added benefit of being energy efficient.

Install new insulation. Insulation can help keep your home an average of 20 degrees cooler or warmer year-round. It will also reduce your energy bills. Look for insulation with a high R-value (the insulation’s ability to reduce heat transfer). You can choose between fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam insulation for this project.

5 Simple Ways to Soundproof Your Home

Posted on by
Reply

soundproof

Because we all deserve a little peace and quiet.

Noise – there is no escaping it. Whether it is the result of noisy neighbors above you, music blaring, an airplane passing overhead or honking cars outside, there is nothing more irritating to the senses than unwanted noise. Unwanted noise that can have far reaching consequences according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In fact, any unwanted noise that our ears haven’t been trained to filter out can mess with our sleep, add to our stress, infringe on our privacy, and generally compromise our quality of life. Fortunately, there are a number of soundproofing initiatives you can take alleviate the problem, which don’t require you to go through the expense of remodeling your home.

Here are 5 simple ways to soundproof your home:

#1. Add Insulation

Adding insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep unwanted noise out. Good candidates for additional insulation include the ceilings, walls and attic. Blown-in cellulose is an effective sound insulator. Made from recycled paper or denim, it contains no VOCs, is fire-resistant and environmentally friendly, too. Rigid foam board insulation is another good choice.

#2. Upgrade Your Windows

In terms of blocking sound, the windows in your home probably aren’t cutting it; especially if you’re still rocking single pane glass. Your monthly heating and cooling costs may also be higher than they should be. Replacing old, inefficient windows with double pane offers much more in the way of energy efficiency and noise reduction, without paying a premium for triple pane windows.

#3. Apply Weatherstripping

There are many low-cost ways to soundproof your home. One of the easiest: weatherstripping each window and door in your home. Weatherstrip all points where sash meets jambs, headers and sills, using adhesive-backed high-density foam tape. Fill tiny cracks or gaps with an acoustical caulk sealant. Replacing hollow-core entry doors with solid-core will also help quiet outside noise.

#4. Hang Sound-absorbing Curtains

The same materials used to decorate your home can help absorb a great deal of sound, as well as stop the transmission of outdoor sounds, and keep the sun out of your rooms. Look for tightly-woven, heavy materials such as velvets, embroidered brocade and wools or blackout curtains with built-in liners. To maximize the sound reduction, make sure they cover the wall above and below your window too.

#5. Try – Duct Wrap

Your plumbing also contributes to noise. Water running through pipes is unavoidable, but by insulating those pipes, you can cut associated sounds in half. The same is true for air ducts. Apply duct wrap to all joints before wrapping them with insulation. Use foil-backed insulation with a minimum R-value (thermal resistance rating) of 6. You can also apply this combo to your home’s water heater.

How to Insulate an Attic

Posted on by
Reply

insulate an attic

Heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, accounts for more than half of the energy consumed in an average home. This means that an attic that is not properly insulated could be costing you big bucks as heat rises. Taking steps to prevent this loss is good for the environment, good for you, and good for your wallet. Use the following information to insulate an attic.

How much does it cost to insulate an attic?

According to this year’s Cost vs. Value report, which compares the average cost of 29 popular home improvement projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 99 U.S. markets, hiring a contractor to install insulation in your attic will cost $1,343. On the upside, you will see a 107.7% return on investment (ROI), should you ever decide to sell or refinance your home. In addition, you may qualify to receive a federal tax credit of 10% of the cost, up to $500.

How much material do I need?

That depends. Insulation levels are specified by R-value. R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s ability to resist heat flow. Higher R-values are required in colder areas, whereas, R-38 is the recommended value for temperate and hotter climates. Take a look at ENERGY STAR’s recommended home insulation R-values guidelines for more information. Keep in mind that R-values vary depending on material.

Armed with this information, you will then want to measure the length and width of your attic to determine how many square feet of insulation you’ll need. To complete this job, you may also need other materials, such as silicone caulk, metal flashing, and weatherstripping, as it is important to first seal off any existing air leaks or drafts. Sealing off these leaks will provide benefits for years to come.

Tips for Working in the Attic

  • Have a plan in place. The key to any successful project – especially a project of this magnitude – is adequate planning. Before beginning, gather all necessary tools and supplies, including a flashlight. You’ll also want to ensure the area is well-lit by using a work light.
  • Protect yourself. Insulation can be itchy and irritating to the skin, as well as harmful to the lungs, which is why it’s important to wear the proper gear to protect yourself. We recommend wearing safety googles, work gloves, a face mask, and a lightweight disposable coverall in addition to using knee pads.

3 Steps to an Insulated Attic

Step 1: Seal Air Leaks

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you or a professional air seal your attic before insulating it. There are many benefits to air sealing including reducing heating and cooling costs, improving durability, increasing comfort, and creating a healthier indoor environment. Caulking and weatherstripping are two effective air sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment.

Step 2: Choose Your Insulation

Loose Fill Insulation – No one says you have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic when adding additional material. You can easily use loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets. If you choose to use loose fill insulation, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional as this type of material requires specialized machines and techniques.

Batt Insulation – Laying fiberglass rolls is an easy to moderate do-it-yourself project. Sold in various widths, this type of insulation is designed to fit easily within most typical joists, although layering is required to get the proper R-value for your zone. When laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter, moving towards the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents.

Step 3: Create Barriers

No matter the material, if you’re installing insulation near recessed lights or soffit vents, you’ll want to use sheet metal or wire mesh to help create a barrier. Insulation and recessed light fixtures do not mix! Some recessed lights, however, are designed for “insulation contact” or “IC,” in which case no barrier is required. Check the fixture first before installing insulation.

Understanding Heat Transfer

Posted on by
Reply

heat transfer

One of the biggest contributors to expensive home energy bills is the heat transfer that occurs as a direct result of insufficient or improper insulation. Heat transfer is the movement of heat from the indoors to outdoors during the winter, and from outdoors to indoors during the summer. Controlling the transfer of heat in and out of your home is an essential first step in reducing your home’s energy use.

Types of Heat Transfer

Heat is transferred to and from an object – in this case: your home – via one of three methods: conduction, radiation, and convection. Understanding how conduction, radiation, and convection work will help you insulate smarter and stop dreading those monthly energy bills. Let’s examine each of these in more detail.

Conduction is the transfer of heat through liquids or gases. On hot days, heat is conducted into your home through the roof, walls, and windows. This results in an increase of energy use. Insulation, energy-efficient windows, and heat-reflecting roofs slow the heat conduction and help maintain a comfortable temperature.

Radiation is the transfer of heat through space in the form of visible and non-visible light. Sunlight is an obvious source of heat for homes. This results in more wear and tear, as well as energy use, on your HVAC system as it attempts to overcome the heat gained. Energy-efficient windows, UV films and screens, and blinds can help block this radiation.

Convection is the third method for heat transfer. Convection affects your home by air infiltration. Convection occurs through all surfaces of the home – walls, floor, roof, windows, and doors. Weatherstripping, caulk, outlet gaskets, and spray foam are key products for ensuring a tight envelope.

Energy Audits

One of the best ways to combat heat transfer is to schedule a comprehensive energy audit, which often includes both a visual inspection and thermal imaging scan. Together these detect cold spots, air leaks and intrusion, energy hogging appliances, and, of course, insufficient amounts of insulation. Consider having an energy audit done if your home is drafty in the winter, and stuffy in the summer, or your energy bills seem excessive.

Ensuring Sufficient Insulation

Ensuring sufficient insulation is important because it resists the flow of heat. Insulation in attic, wall, and floor cavities force the heat to conduct from one insulation fiber to another which slows the passage of heat. Insulation adds to your comfort, increases sound control, creates a healthier home environment, reduces your energy bills, and has a positive impact on the environment.