Now’s the time to plan your energy checks so that you still have time to implement changes before the fierce weather kicks in.  Here are some ideas to improve your home’s comfort this season:

• Start with the quick fixes, including windows and doors.  Do they fit well and close easily?  Do you feel air escaping?
• Clean the coils of your refrigerator and freezer.  A build-up of dust keeps the appliance from operating at its fullest.
• Cover any window air conditioning units tightly with plastic to prevent cold air from rushing inside.
• Consider installing a radiant barrier into your attic on top of existing insulation.

You may have heard of some of these ideas before.  Radiant barrier may have the most significant impact on your energy bill, so don’t overlook the value a small investment now will bring you over the lifetime of home ownership.

Radiant barrier, also called reflective foil insulation, serves as a barrier to block the transfer of radiant heat from one place to another.  When placed along the floor joists in your attic, perforated radiant barrier will reflect the heated air from your living space (which rises into the attic) back down to prevent escape through the attic.  The result is a more comfortable home at a lower thermostat setting, and lower electric bills.

I found this article about attic insulation that provides more detail.  Take a look.

The concept behind foil insulation has been around for years, but few people know the real benefits from it and still use fiberglass to insulate their homes, offices, garages, and any other place that they want to stay warm … but why?

Fiberglass insulation has been around since the late 1800’s; that is what people are used to and comfortable with. There are a couple of different kinds of fiberglass to choose from – rolled insulation (or batt insulation), and loose fill-blow insulation. Which one to choose depends on where you want it used. Typically loose fill-blow insulation is used in attics, while the rolled insulation is used for the rest of your home.

However, this type of insulation also carries some risks to the installer. It tends to be made from bits of glass, limestone and other harmful materials if inhaled or touched. It is recommended that you use heavy gloves and a breathing mask when installing it. If there were a different, better, safer way of insulating, wouldn’t you try it?

There are three types of heat transferring agents – convection, conduction and radiant, with radiant being the primary method. Fiberglass insulation, along with other types of insulation, reduces convection and conduction, but does little for radiant heat. These types of insulations will eventually let air in and out, causing your energy bills to go up. Yet what if I told you that you could reduce your heating and cooling bills, and save on energy use? Would you be interested? I’m sure you are.

Foil insulation, or a radiant barrier, holds its roots in aluminum foil (yes, the same foil we use around the house and in the kitchen), but they have their differences. Regular aluminum foil is thin, tears easily and is mixed with other alloys that will oxidize over time. Foil insulation contains more aluminum for better reflectivity and is coated for better durability and corrosion resistance.  It also has a mesh interior to give it a bit of weight for easier handling.  This type of insulation works by deflecting the radiant heat, keeping the cooler air in during the summer and the warm air in during the winter. All of this will cause your heating and cooling bills to be lower than ever before.

Now you know the basic differences between foil insulation and fiberglass. So next time you have to choose what kind of insulation to use, which kind of insulation will you go with?

The experts at EcoFoil knew folks like us needed some tips before we got started with our projects.  Here’s another of their great videos, this one reviewing the steps involved just prior to installation:

• how to measure
• tools needed
• safety precautions

EcoFoil Radiant Barrier

Here in Iowa we were spoiled last year, we had an extremely seasonal summer, several evenings we were in jackets or under blankets watching the kids play ball. Windows remained open and our energy bills reflected the lack of using our air conditioning. This year is going to be quite the opposite. We’ve not completed May and we’re running the air-conditioning non-stop. I cringe to see this month’s electric bill.

It might be easier to swallow if the second story in my two-story home were actually cool. The difference in temperatures from the first level to the second is quite disappointing. This being said I have begun the pursuit of a remedy without closing the downstairs vents and turning the temperature even colder. When I “Googled” my situation, I began reading about insulation in my attic (which I had blown in when it was built and there is more than the “recommended” amount). What I have found is a lot of information about radiant barrier insulation and attic foil. This is the process by which energy (heat) is reflected rather than absorbed by insulation. I’m still learning about emissivity and wavelengths. Seems as though NASA has been using this technology since 1954 and it is just now that it is becoming available to civilians.

I am still in the process of measuring my square footage, investigating the scientific concepts behind the process, and deciding upon the correct product. The enticing factor is a cooler second story without the pain of the out of control electric bill both in the summer with reflecting the summer’s heat in the attic and the increased warmth in the winter when it would be another barrier from allowing my heat to permeate through the attic keeping my second story warmer. As I continue to ponder the decision between the initial investment of the barrier and the double seasonal use of winter and summer worth versus continually increasing energy bills my decision is beginning to weigh in the direction of installing the barrier. I know we can install it ourselves in a weekend and hopefully, according to the testimonials I have read, enjoy the lower electric bills and increased comfort in our home.

I imagine for those unfamiliar with the Gulf Coast region of the USA it may be difficult to really imagine the colossal impact this global tragedy will have for the people of Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Texas.  The issue may even seem somewhat remote in comparison with other national topics like health care reform, the economy, and joblessness.

The reality is, whether you live in North Dakota or Louisiana, everyone will feel the effects of the oil spill for decades to come. The downstream effects of an ecological and biological disaster of this proportion have monumental impact on our lives beyond comprehension.

Send a heartfelt “thank you” to the generous people donating their time and potentially their future health to help combat the oil spill.