It’s now easier than ever for homeowners to turn their homes into models of green living thanks to the growing availability of affordable, energy-smart products and materials. From replacing incandescent light bulbs to reviewing energy ratings on new appliances, more homeowners are deciding how to cut energy consumption and boost efficiency.
Homeowners should consider working with a certified Home Energy Rater. These professionals conduct tests to assess a home’s energy efficiency to provide an overall rating, helping homeowners further boost efficiency.
Heating and cooling accounts for about 56 perfect of energy use in a typical U.S. home, according to the U.S Department of Energy. While using smart thermostats helps correct daily energy use, homeowners should consider how sealed their home is. The amount of air escaping the home via cracks or gaps in the building envelope can significantly impact a heating and cooling system’s efficiency.
Escaping air means the air conditioner must work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Thus, energy consumption stays high, monthly bills continue to climb and any efficiency achieved through other methods is wasted.
Understanding added factors to air leakage is essential to improve efficiency and lower monthly bills. One key area to consider is the home’s insulation. While some homeowners may think layering more insulation on top of existing insulation may work, typically these traditional insulation types are unable to provide a thorough air seal or promote better heating and cooling efficiency.
One effective solution is replacing traditional insulation with a high-performance spray foam insulation. Spray foam insulation, such as Icynene, both air seals and insulates to stop air leakage, allowing homeowners to reduce energy consumption, effectively control their indoor environments and live greener.
When installed, spray foam insulation expands to completely seal walls, floors and ceilings. Insulation experts from Icynene say that quality spray foam insulation can noticeably reduce heating and cooling costs, possibly by up to 50 percent. More information is available at icynene.com.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.