Insulation Performance Is Home Performance
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Insulation Types
Cellulose Cellulose is the greenest insulation product made from recycled paper products and our preferred insulation type due to its lower costs and higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass. Although not a complete air barrier, cellulose retards air flow much better than fiberglass and fills around crevices and under wiring at a higher density than fiberglass insulation. Cellulose is treated with borate, a fire retardant, that repels rodents and critters that actually prefer fiberglass to make their homes. Cellulose insulation looks gray and fluffy and causes no itching or skin reactions when handled. Our insulation is quoted for achieving an R-value, not in inches like most contractors. We do this because insulation settles and the R-value of cellulose is not the same as it was when installed, so we always add an extra layer to account for settling. Loose Fill Fiberglass Loose fill fiberglass is broken down fiberglass but does not have the formaldehyde adhesives the fiberglass batts contain. It is much easier to work with because it is not itchy like the fiberglass batts. When installed, it looks like fluffy snow and is a good product because it does not settle, is water resistant and is not dusty when installed. The downside to loose fill fiberglass is that it has a lower R-value per inch than its loose fill cousin, cellulose, so the price tends to be slightly higher. It is able to get under and around canned lights, electrical wires and other attic floor protrusions that cause rolled batt insulation to be suspended off the attic floor which is a no-no. Some homeowners prefer the loose fill fiberglass over cellulose because it is "cleaner" in that it is not dusty and less allergenic. Either way though, you can't go wrong with cellulose or loose fill fiberglass as a low cost solution to attic insulation upgrades. Fiberglass Batts Fiberglass batts were the most commonly used and widely available insulation type in Phoenix. Often itchy and an irritant, fiberglass insulation is not a material you want to handle for a long time. The R-value of fiberglass is highly dependent on how it was installed. To achieve the best R-value, the batts should be in continuous contact with the drywall and cut exactly to length. However, all too often we find they are too long, bunched up, thrown on top of recessed canned lights, falling off or simply laying on top of the studs which reduces the R-value and creates air pockets that can increase convection and heat gain into the home. Benefits
- Enjoy lower energy bills with an efficient AC unit and well sealed ductwork - Enjoy a more comfortable home with a properly sized AC unit and temperature control See the table below to learn how much you can save by upgrading a 3 ton AC unit with a higher efficiency unit. |
REBATE INFORMATIONThomas, Phoenix
Folks, this program works. It will reduce your Kw and your monthly bills, especially in the summer months. My pool runs more hours and costs me less. My house is colder and costs me less. My house is worth more than my neighbors and my home can be sold as an energy efficient home. The investment is worth it. I have a 2300 square foot home. I have gas hot water heater, gas heat, gas stove and a pool. My current equal pay with APS is $182. I expect it to drop to below $140 next year...maybe lower. Not bad for Phoenix. ENERGY AUDITOR BLOG
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