Category: air sealing

How to Ensure Wintry Warmth

Here are some tips, including hiring an insulation contractor, about energy audits and insulation installation that will help keep your home warm this winter.

Here are some tips, including hiring an insulation contractor, about energy audits and insulation installation that will help keep your home warm this winter.

Stop Drafts and Air Leaks

It is possible to lose as much as 30 percent of conditioned air through leaks around the windows, doors, and other areas of your home. Caulking and weather stripping is an excellent method for stopping drafts in their tracks. As for air leaks, consider having an energy audit done, especially since the source is not always clearly identifiable.

An energy audit analyzes current and past utility bills to understand your energy consumption habits. The auditor will also use specialized equipment, such as a blower door test and infrared camera, to pinpoint air leaks and measure your insulation levels. Once complete, you will be provided with a list of energy efficient home improvements.

Let Daylight Fill Your Home

As soon as the sun rises in the morning, or when you wake up, open the curtains or blinds to take advantage of solar energy. Doing this can help warm your home without turning the heater up and, in turn, help lower your energy consumption. If the weather permits, consider opening your windows to improve ventilation.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

According to ENERGY STAR, the average American household spends more than $900 a year on heating and cooling costs, creating an area where saving money could be incredibly beneficial. One way to do just that is to install a programmable thermostat that you can set once and forget.

A programmable thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature based on your initial settings. An alternative option that you can monitor and control using your smartphone is a smart thermostat. These are designed to learn your habits and adjust temperatures accordingly.

Making the list of the “Best Programmable Thermostats of 2020” by Consumer Reports are thermostats from Emerson, Honeywell, and Lennox. These and other brands make excellent holiday gifts for anyone on your shopping list who may also need to improve their energy efficiency.

Hire an Insulation Contractor to Reduce Heat Flow

A contributing factor to high heating costs is insufficient or damaged insulation. That is because, when levels fall below ENERGY STAR’s recommended R-value, the material cannot adequately resist heat flow. Damaged insulation, regardless of whether it was caused by pests or water, can also impact the materials’ effectiveness.

In these situations hiring an insulation contractor to inspect your attic insulation is essential for decreasing heat transmission, helping increase your home’s energy efficiency. An insulation contractor can, upon inspection, make recommendations for adding or replacing existing materials and provide you with an accurate cost estimate.

Banker Insulation is a full service insulation contractor with 18 valley locations to help Arizonans improve their residential or commercial property’s energy efficiency. Our company also has locations in New Mexico and Washington.

Banker Insulation has been installing fiberglass insulation and other types of materials since 1977. Additional services include sound attenuation and energy audits. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.

Everything You Need to Know About Cellulose Insulation

When used to insulate an attic, cellulose insulation will help regulate your home’s temperatures, thereby improving your comfort. It will also help save you money on high cooling costs in the summer and heating expenses in the winter.

According to ENERGY STAR, you can expect a ten percent savings on annual energy bills when you combine insulation installation with effective air sealing techniques, such as applying caulk and adding weather stripping materials around the windows and doors of your home. A professional energy audit is the most effective way to identify air leakage.

Professional installation is essential for reducing energy costs. An insulation contractor will ensure that all materials are installed correctly and at the proper depths to achieve ENERGY STAR’s recommended R-values. R-values refer to how well the insulating material can resist heat flow.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CELLULOSE INSULATION

What is it?

Cellulose is a paper-based insulating material. It usually contains more than 80 percent of recycled paper products, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Because cellulose is a loose fill material, it can be blown-into attic spaces and densely packed in wall and floor cavities. Blown-in insulation, like cellulose, requires professional installation from an insulation company.

How will it benefit you?

  • Enhanced comfort
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Excellent thermal performance
  • It has noise reducing qualities
  • Inhibits the growth of mold
  • Minimizes insects and vermin
  • It is treated with fire retardants and, as such, has a Class I Fire Rating

Leading Insulation Company Since 1977

Banker Insulation is a full service insulation contractor with 18 valley locations to help Arizonans improve their residential or commercial property’s energy efficiency. Our company also has a location in New Mexico.

Banker Insulation has been installing fiberglass insulation and other types of materials since 1977. Additional services include sound attenuation and energy audits. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.

Fall Home Maintenance

The dog days of summer will soon be replaced by fall’s cooler weather and stunning canvas. Fall is an ideal time to check these tasks, including ensuring adequate levels of fiberglass insulation in the attic, off your home maintenance checklist.

Inspect the Roof

Inspect the roof for any storm damage, abnormal wearing, or signs of aging. Do this from the ground by using binoculars, if necessary, and walking around the house’s perimeter. You should also check in the attic for light infiltration or damp fiberglass insulation. The latter may indicate a roof leak and insulation will need to be replaced by an experienced insulation contractor.

Fall Home Maintenance

Clean the Gutters

The gutters, if your home has them, direct rainwater away from your foundation. Dead leaves, tree needles, and the flyaway Frisbee can impact water flow by causing a blockage should they build up over time. Water then can damage your roof, insulation, siding, and foundation. Scoop out the gunk and then rinse the gutters each fall and spring – more frequently if your landscape features a lot of trees.

Check for Air Leaks

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain or loss through windows accounts for between 25 and 30 percent of your heating and cooling energy use, and they are not the only thing costing you money.

Air leaks can also cause a spike in your heating and cooling costs.

Because the source of air leaks can be challenging to identify without the correct tools, consider having an energy audit done by a licensed insulation contractor. It is essential to seal air leaks and insulate to see savings.

Change Your Filters

Routinely replace the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit. A good rule of thumb is to replace inexpensive filters every 30 days for maximum efficiency.

Now more than ever before, it is recommended to select high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which can go about 90 days before changing them is necessary.

A HEPA filter can effectively remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles such as dust, pet dander, and bacteria with a size of 0.3 microns. They can help improve indoor air quality and comfort. You can find replacement filters online or in stores.

Improve Fiberglass Insulation Levels

Another issue that may impact your energy efficiency is insufficient levels of fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass, whether loose fill or batts, provides good thermal performance at an attractive price point. It is also made of a significant amount of recycled content.

Uninsulated attics in valley homes should be insulated with an R-value – a measure of the material’s ability to resist heat transfers – between R30 and R60. Attics with existing insulation should meet a value between R25 to R38.

Banker Insulation is a full service insulation contractor with 18 valley locations to help Arizonans improve their residential or commercial property’s energy efficiency. Our company also has locations in New Mexico and Washington.

Banker Insulation has been installing fiberglass insulation and other types of materials since 1977. Additional services include sound attenuation and energy audits. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.

This blog has been updated from a 2018 post.

The Basics of Home Energy Audits

A home energy audit, when performed by an experienced insulation contractor, can help determine where your home is consuming the most energy and identify areas for improvement. It is a cost effective way to detect air leaks, inadequate insulation, and other inefficiencies that may be causing you to spend more money to heat and cool your home than is necessary. The contractor will also provide you with a prioritized list of recommended upgrades designed to improve the efficiency and comfort of your house.

How to Prepare for an Audit

The best things you can do are make a list of energy-related concerns and compile copies of your most recent electricity bills before the insulation contractor arrives. Are you signed up for paperless billing? You can download and print invoices by logging into your account. These are useful for determining your energy use each month. Ideally, you should also open your curtains or blinds and, if applicable, clear any clutter around your attic and basement doors to ensure access.

Title card featuring an infrared heat detector: The Basics of Home Energy Audits.

What to Expect During the Audit?

A contractor, approved by your residential electricity provider, will complete a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of the home. They will also measure the depth of your insulation to determine whether you are meeting ENERGY STAR’s recommended R-values – the materials’ ability to resist heat – which differs depending on the insulated area. The auditor will conduct a series of tests using specialized equipment such as the blower door, to detect air leaks and other problems.

Most home energy audits take between two to four hours from start to finish. Once complete, the contractor will analyze their findings and provide you with a comprehensive report detailing which home improvements should receive attention first so you can reduce your energy consumption. Get started today by scheduling an appointment with Banker Insulation at (602) 273-1261.

Leading Insulation Contractor since 1977

Banker Insulation is a full service insulation contractor with 18 valley locations to help Arizonans improve their residential or commercial property’s energy efficiency. Our company also has locations in Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. Banker Insulation has been installing fiberglass insulation and other types of materials since 1977. Additional services include sound attenuation and energy audits. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.

Resources:
“Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Energy Audits.” The U.S. Department of Energy
“Professional Home Energy Audits.” The U.S. Department of Energy

Three Advantages of Fiberglass Insulation

Since its introduction in the late 1930s, fiberglass insulation has remained one of the most popular insulating materials, and with good reason. Pre-cut rolls or batts and blown in loose-fill are the two most frequently sold types. It can be applied to attics, walls, floor cavities, and basement rim joists.

Because a tight fit is required for optimal energy efficiency, it is essential to hire an experienced and licensed insulation contractor, such as Banker Insulation. It is also recommended that any air leaks be sealed to ensure maximum efficiency.

Fiberglass insulation is predominantly manufactured using up to 60 percent recycled container glass, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, thus freeing landfill space. The glass is woven into tight fibers that trap pockets of air to slow the transference of conditioned, whether heated or cooled, air.

Title card featuring a worker hand installing fiberglass insulation: Advantages of Fiberglass Insulation.

Ways Fiberglass Insulation Can Benefit You

Cost Effective

Fiberglass insulation is the ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers. There are plenty of options in terms of R-values and types that residential and commercial consumers can select from while remaining within budget. Another cost effective option to consider, especially if moisture is a concern, like in a basement, is to choose faced insulation. That insulation uses a vapor retardant to help prevent condensation.

Sound Dampening

Fiberglass insulation is offered in different thicknesses with different degrees of sound absorption. While noise reduction increases with depth, this insulating material will not block sound transmission. There are, however, products available with added sound attenuation. These products are ideal for several applications, including home theaters and home offices, as well as other areas where you’d like to block noise.

Thermal Resistance

The R-value for fiberglass ranges between R-8 and R-40. These values measure the thermal resistance – how well the material resists heat – with a higher number offering the best performance. Contact an insulation contractor to identify the correct R-value for your area’s climate as well as where insulation is required. Make sure the material provides optimal energy efficiency by having it professionally installed.

Schedule an Appointment with Banker Insulation

Banker Insulation is a full-service insulation and energy conservation contractor with 18 valley locations to help Arizonans improve their residential or commercial property’s energy efficiency. Our company also has locations in Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. Banker Insulation has been offering the installation of fiberglass insulation and other types of materials, along with sound attenuation services, and energy audits since 1977. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.