Category: attic insulation

Fiberglass Insulation: Batts vs. Loose Fill

Fiberglass insulation is an excellent insulation material that is cost effective, energy efficient, and has acoustic properties. There are two types available: batts and loose fill.

Fiberglass insulation is an excellent insulation material that is cost effective, energy efficient, and has acoustic properties. According to the United States Department of Energy, it features between 40 and 60 percent recycled content, making it an environmentally sustainable product.

Additional benefits associated with fiberglass insulation include its thermal performance and moisture and fire resistance properties. Depending on the type, this insulating material either comes in specific R-Values – a measure of its resistance to heat flow – or can be blown in to meet ENERGY STAR’s recommendation.

There are two types available: batts and loose fill. Ideally, batt insulation should be professionally installed, as proper fit is crucial for benefitting from the material. Because loose fill insulation requires specialized equipment, it must be installed by an experienced, licensed insulation contractor.

Close-up of fiberglass insulation tool and installation in a crawl space.

Select the Right Type for the Application

Batt Insulation

A defining feature of batt insulation, also available as rolls, is its versatility. They can be installed in attics, wall cavities, and floor cavities and to a depth that meets ENERGY STAR’s recommended R-values. This insulating type must fill the area where it is being installed, meaning there can be no gaps, ensuring maximum performance.

Blown-in Loose Fill

A more efficient alternative to batts and rolls is loose fill fiberglass insulation that is blown into the attic space using truck-mounted equipment. This installation technique allows the material to fill in gaps and tight areas, where installing batts would be more difficult. Loose fill materials, when professionally installed, offer the same R-values as other fiberglass insulation types.

Hire an Insulation Contractor for Correct Fit

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.

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.

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.

4 Tips to Slash Your Summer Cooling Costs

It is only the beginning of May, and Phoenicians have already seen the first of many 100-degree days. To cool down, many people turned on the air conditioning units, subsequently raising their utility bills. Thankfully, there are practical ways to slash your summer cooling costs, such as investing in an energy audit and improving your home’s attic insulation.

Invest in an Energy Audit

The single most important thing you can do is to perform an energy audit. Conducted by a professional, like Banker Insulation, these inspections provide a clear picture of your home’s energy consumption. Professionals possess the skills and equipment needed to identify air leaks, inefficient appliances/equipment, and additional sources of energy loss. They will also measure the depth of attic insulation. You will then be provided with a detailed report with the auditor’s findings and recommendations.

Title card featuring a person measuring the depth of pink insulation with a ruler: Tips to Slash Summer Cooling Costs.

Improve Attic Insulation

Save about 15% on your summer cooling costs, along with your winter heating costs, by improving attic insulation. Additional places to add insulation include in crawlspaces, under floors, and along basement rim joists. There are plenty of options for insulating your attic, including installing new insulation or ensuring an adequate depth, as well as various material types. Fiberglass, cellulose, and spray polyurethane foam are three of the most popular and energy efficient materials for attic insulation.

Replace Worn Caulk & Weather Stripping

Your home’s windows and doors are two of the biggest culprits for energy loss. They are, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, responsible for a substantial amount of heat gain and loss that can account for between 25 and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling costs. To prevent energy loss, it’s essential to replace worn or damaged caulking around windows or invest in energy efficient windows, as well as weather stripping around doors.

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 providing residential and commercial insulation, energy audits, and sound attenuation services since 1977. Schedule an appointment today by contacting one of our offices.