Spray foam insulation is a polyurethane foam widely used to insulate walls and ceiling in homes and offices. A spray foam insulation is the best way to protect your homes or offices from severe hot summers and extremely cold winters and to reduce your energy cost remarkably and significantly. This foam performs a dual role of acting as an insulating material and as an air sealer. It is a mixture of isocyanate and a resin which combines to form an expanding foam that is sprayed to fill the cracks and cavities.

It is a liquid polyurethane which after application dries into a hardened foam. Being a liquid foam it is easier to spray into the small cracks and crevices where it expands to fill the void spaces providing an effective protection. It covers and seals the entire area and does not permit air or moisture to penetrate it as it fills and seals insulation voids that other types of insulation failed to reach or protect.  Mold and mildew formation can be curbed as moisture is controlled. There is absolutely no other superior and finer home insulating material available than the spray foam to seal your home from air and moisture invasion, to save on your energy bills and to protect your family from air borne contaminants and allergens.

Spray foam has an exceptionally high insulation R value and can effectively withstand heat flow which is the main purpose of insulation. Apart form temperature and moisture control spray foam insulation also controls noise as it acts as an obstruction or barricade to air borne sounds and noises by reducing sound transmission through the walls of the buildings. As it is non-toxic in nature it is absolutely harmless and also lasts a lifetime giving your home a better seal by regulating the indoor temperature.

Spray foam insulation is also considered as a best environment friendly insulation as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or formaldehyde. Though this type of insulation is a bit costly,  the cost of spray foam insulation can be easily recovered in a period of four or five years time simply through energy savings alone. Moreover as spray foams fill into every crack and void space in the home there is definitely no possibility of bugs and other pests infestation and you can also cut down on the extermination costs.

The do-it-yourself spray foam cans are available at all leading home improvement stores which helps to perfectly seal and cover up cracks and gaps in doors, windows, pipes, fittings and other appliances. However to undertake large projects  it is best to take the help of a professional to get it done in a perfect and impeccable way.

Spray foam insulation excels and surpasses the traditional insulation methods on account of its superior quality and commendable features. Spray foam insulation is the ultimate choice to stop air and moist infiltration, save on your energy bills, add strength to your building structure and to make your home a more relaxed and comfortable place to live in by making it truly noise-proof.

If a homeowner wants to make his home more energy efficient, he will often change out a large part of his HVAC system, such as replacing window air with central air or replacing a boiler. However, these changes can result in thousands of dollars for the unit alone. Homeowners can expect to pay twice the price of the unit after the unit is installed. After the new unit is installed, homeowners may not notice much of a difference in the comfort level of the home if air is escaping through holes in the building and the insulation. Homeowners may be able to make a more dramatic change in the home’s efficiency and comfort level by changing or adding insulation. This process is much more affordable than reconfiguring an HVAC system.

As many companies and homeowners strive to save money, they recognize the amount of money that they lose from energy waste. They also recognize the environmental impact of using fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources to heat and cool their homes. These changes in the construction industry have made the R-value of a building a much more important factor to consider when constructing and remodeling a building.

When determining whether a homeowner needs new installation, the R-value of the existing insulation will be assessed. An R-value is a measure of the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the greater energy efficiency that the insulation possesses. If a house has a high R-value, the house likely does not need new insulation. However, if the R-value is low, this can indicate that the insulation is ineffective and needs to be changed.

A variety of factors affect the R-value. The type of insulation that is used, the thickness and the density can all impact the R-value. Some houses feature multiple layers of insulation and this requires adding the R-values of each layer of insulation together with the other layers.

When air flows around the installation and into studs and joists, the R-value is less. It is also less if the insulation is compressed. For these reasons, spray foam insulation is often preferable to other forms of insulation. Spray foam can expand and contract with the seasonal contraction of the home. It can also enter the crevices and fill small spots that thicker insulation cannot.

The optimal amount of insulation that you need depends on the location of the building, the typical climate, they type of HVAC system you have installed and the location of the area where you are installing the insulation. Before making any important changes to the insulation or HVAC system, a homeowner or building owner should have the building inspected by an HVAC specialist. This specialist can assess the R-value of the home and can offer specialized recommendations related to the need for insulation and other ways to increase the energy efficiency of the building. The R-value is an important factor to consider when evaluating the energy efficiency, but a specialist can help determine other problems and solve these efficiency problems.

Making small investments in energy-saving measures can pay off in the long run. From big treatments to small habits, you can reap the rewards, both environmentally and financially, of keeping your household energy consumption low. It’s never too late to implement energy saving measures that keep your bills low, not to mention reduce carbon emissions.

Here are Top 10 Tips on how you can keep you energy bills low no matter what season.

1. Get unplugged
Make sure all plugs are pulled out. After use, inspect appliances that may still be plugged in to outlets. Check TV sets, heaters, mobile phone chargers, A/C units and other appliances that need to be unplugged when not in use.

2. Turn the lights off
In addition to unplugging idle appliances, make sure you’re using light bulbs economically. Ask all occupants in your house to make a habit of turning the lights off when they leave a room empty.

3. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs
Use only compact fluorescent for your home. These bulbs produce the same light output with lesser energy consumption. Compact fluorescent bulbs come in various sizes and wattage in all supermarkets.

4. Put on caulks
Seal small cracks at home found in doors, windows and vents that allow cold air to seep inside the house. Exterior caulks can help keep the heat inside your home during winter.

5. Apply weather stripping
When you close your door and still see light peeking in, you need weather stripping treatment. This measure can help you save up to 10 percent on heating fees.

6. Install a tankless water heater
Unlike traditional water heaters, you don’t need to heat water all day when using a tankless water heater. The device only turns on when you run the faucet and shuts off when you close the faucet.

7. Place a programmable thermostat
Save 10 percent on your heating bills by installing a programmable thermostat.

8. Use a ceiling fan that comes with a heater
Instead of an A/C, rely on a ceiling fan to cool you on warmer days. Now you can also turn to one when you need heat.

9. Employ energy auditing
For lasting results and greater cuts on your energy bills, invest in energy auditing. Energy auditing covers a wider ground when it comes to energy conservation: it determines leaks and the condition of ventilation inside the house; conducts tests from determining mildew and moisture, the performance of installed A/C units, water breaks, to the faulty structures of a house that causes ventilation problems.

10. Get spray foam insulation
Considered as one of the most effective ways to save on energy bills, spray foam insulation is a non-toxic moisture and temperature controlling treatment. Eliminate the presence of molds in wood in your house that causes allergies. This process can protect 50 percent better than traditional insulation methods and can even shield your home from irritating outdoor noise and sounds. Even better,U.S.homes treated with spray foam insulation qualify for tax deductions.

To know where you can get energy auditing services and spray foam insulation treatment, particularly in the Louisiana area, visit www.ecostarfoam.com

You can also call us at: (504)383-3261 to learn more about other utility bills and energy-saving systems.

Louisiana residents can claim tax credit by ensuring that their homes practice energy-saving measures and maintain energy efficiency all throughout the year. From non-solar water heaters, roofing, to spray foam insulation you’ve installed in 2011, you can reap tax deductions by following these steps.

Here’s how you can collect tax credit for energy efficiency:

1. Go to the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov) and get the appropriate forms for the specific tax year you are filing.

2. Obtain the following forms:

(You can also download further instructions.) 

IRS Form 5695, for renewable and efficiency credits. Spray foam insulation treatments fall in this category.

IRS Form 8910, for alternative motor vehicle credits.

IRS Form 8936, for approved plug-in electric motor vehicles.

3. Don’t lose your receipts. Better yet, secure copies of the receipts along with your Manufacturer Certification Statement. You’ll need these documents for filing and to keep for your records.

4.  Remember that credits are nonrefundable. Credits are available only when during your tax liability period.

5. Keep in mind that these tax credits can be collected only once. Credit for home energy improvement system like spray foam insulation are limited to the year you installed them. Once you’ve obtained credit for a spray foam insulation installment in 2009, you can’t get additional credit for the same installation on your 2011 taxes.

6. For federal tax credits expiring in December 2011, a $500 lifetime limit is applied. So if you’ve collected $500 or more tax credit from 2006 to 2010, you cannot collect more tax credits.

7. Here are some household energy improvement systems eligible for tax credits through 2011.

Biomass stoves having thermal efficiency rating of 75% tested with lower heating value. You can take credit for installation costs. These stoves use biomass fuel to heat water or homes.

HVAC. This includes central air-conditioning, electric heat pumps, boilers and furnaces and air circulating fans. Heat pumps and central air-conditioning are both qualified for $300 credit. Boilers and furnaces can claim a $150 credit, while air circulating fans can get $50 credit.

Metal roofs and asphalts roofs with Energy Star qualified materials. You can get 10% credit for material costs.

Insulation. This includes spray foam insulation. You can get 10% credit or up to $500. These insulation systems prevent heat loss or air leaks into homes. Insulation must be the main feature. Products under this system must meet the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code and Amendments. Installation and labor costs are not included in the tax credit.

Fuel cells systems. You can get 30% tax credit including installation cost. The system must attain at least 30% efficiency, having a 0.5 kW capacity.

Wind turbines. You should have a nameplate capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts. Get 30% tax credit without upper limit.

Solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. Get tax credit for 30% of cost. Like wind turbines, no upper limit is given for solar energy systems.

Geothermal heat pump. Get 30% tax credit including installation costs. The pump must be available on second or principal home.

To learn more about other energy saving systems like spray foam insulation that entitles you for tax credits, visit www.ecostarfoam.com.  Or call: (504)383-3261.

The State of Louisiana has been facing problems with fresh water since the beginning of the last decade. Applying water-conscious preventive measures including spray foam insulation has never been this timely.

Back in 2001, a U.S. Geological Survey found the water-rich but policy lacking state facing the onset of water shortages, with the public, irrigation system and industrial companies draining the soil for water. Louisiana did not have any laws governing its water resources. Also only a few buildings and households have had energy saving measures and spray foam insulation treatments.

The population has relied heavily on aquifers because of a nagging saltwater intrusion problem, which is not exclusive to Louisiana. The fears became a reality in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the region and exposed the State’s vulnerability.

Since then the state has passed several bills on water resources and strengthened its environmental policy. At present, every individual and household still needs to fully exert contributions in solving this and related environmental problems. One such act is to ensure more buildings and houses adapt energy-saving solutions such as spray foam insulation and energy auditing.

Another problem is the receding of the Louisiana coastlines especially after Katrina.  The state’s agriculture industry has faced production woes brought on by extreme heat, drought and increased salinity in irrigation water supplies. Louisiana agriculture officials reached out to the USDA and the United States Corps of Engineers to come up with long-term solutions.

For Louisiana citizens, small acts can bring a huge impact. About 36 states are projected to have water woes by 2013. More than ever Americans need preserve the value of fresh potable water.

A few simple water-conscious measures can be done in habit and eventually prevent a nationwide water crisis. 

Every citizen, especially Louisiana, should check their toilets, bathroom, sinks and plumbing for leaks. An estimated 100 gallons a week are lost due to a single leaking toilet. Washing machines and dishwashers should be inspected for stains or drips. Water meters should be check by the hour whether it keeps running even when water is not being used.

Every household should also use water-efficient fixtures. Investing in quality faucets, showers, and toilets can save many from serious water troubles.  These models still deliver the same function but use less water.

When it comes to drinking water, it’s best to drink sustainably. Instead of running the tap, water dispenser, or opening the fridge, one should keep a bottle of water (from the tap, instead of expensive bottled brands) at home, at work, at the gym during water breaks. You prevent dehydration while also not wasting drinking water by keeping a bottle always at hand.

Households also need to insulate pipes to counter water loss caused by burst piping. Pipes running in unheated spaces such as garages, crawlspaces and basement should be checked for possible insulation. Fiberglass and foam insulation sleeves can be used for water pipes and are available in hardware stores.

And undoubtedly one the most effective means to save on utility bills such as electricity and water is applying spray foam insulation treatment in the house. A well-insulated house, protected from molds, moisture, and air leaks, is a house that can keep its water source safe and intact.

To find a great spray foam insulation service, visit www.ecostarfoam.com. You may also call: (504)383-3261.

The previous decade has seen some of the most devastating effects of climate change in the country. Every year along with China, we produce the most carbon emissions from fossil fuel consumption. 86 percent of all kinds of energy utilized in the U.S. are obtained from burning fossil fuels. In the past years, we have shot to the frontrunners of the world’s greatest contributors of green house gas emissions. This particular phenomenon has resulted to several environmental problems that return to us ten fold. More households are now encouraged to invest on energy-saving treatments such as spray foam insulation.

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are on an all time high. The price of our rapid urban lifestyle of cars and media technology, our industries, power plants, and livestock farms if gone unchecked will bring in harrowing changes to our environment. We need home systems like spray foam insulation to cut down on energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

We need only to recall the killer earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis and hurricanes that came with Biblical magnitudes in the last ten years to be reminded of that last fact. When global temperate rises by 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit, we’re almost guaranteed to relive these horrors at a greater force. Add the ravages of deforestation, altered rainfall patterns and unusual temperatures rises (The strange dip in temperature in Florida during Winter 2010, for example.) and you have more signals that our problem and its ramifications are spreading at an alarming rate.

We’ve seen the most dramatic proof of global warming: polar sea ice continuing to melt, estranging bears that are near extinction and contributing to the rise of global sea levels. According to a scientific report, the rapidly rising sea levels will be able to submerge the whole of Louisiana coastline by 2100. By the next century, the Mississippi delta sediment deposit will fail to keep up with climate change and much of New Orleans will be underwater.

The region’s rare and common species of birds are now threatened because of receding coastlines. After Katrina, the Asian and Indian Coast Tsunamis, the vast oil spill on the Gulf of Mexicoin 2010 was just another nightmare. It’s hard to think of the tragedies in Haiti and Japan in the same year and not think of the rapidly changing face of the environment. More so than other citizens,Louisiana residents are now at risk to flooding, drought, heat waves and illnesses because of climate change. Infectious diseases thrive in extreme weather conditions such as high humidity and torrential rains.

In light of these environmental issues, it is high time we acquire measures that not only enable us to bring us comfort and protection of the elements, but also reduce the damage wrought on the environment. Among the most effective means is to reduce carbon emissions by using spray foam insulation in our homes.

With Hurricane Katrina tragically exposing the region’s vulnerability, residents and officials are now working toward defending the coastlines and initiating combative measures against climate change. As part of the federal government’s environmental campaign, households in Louisiana and other states can now benefit from tax deductions when they apply environment-friendly systems such as spray foam insulation.

An alternative to the more costly fiberglass treatment, spray foam insulation halts moisture infiltration, air leaking into the house, and protecting occupants from health hazards such as molds. Treated houses are more comfortable, well ventilated, and stronger. Families get to save on utility bills since their homes need less energy for heating during winter.

To learn more about household means to reduce carbon emissions and save on utility bills, visit www.ecostarfoam.com. You can also call us at this number: (504)383-3261.

Installing an effective house insulation system is one of the best ways to save on energy consumption expenses while providing comfortable living conditions for the family. In this time of economic uncertainty, significantly lowering the home’s energy consumption will surely bring greater economic and environmental benefits in the long run. There are different types of home insulation system, one of which is spray foam insulation.

Most homeowners would agree that this is a time of economic and environmental uncertainty – prices of commodities are going up while most people are out of work and cash-strapped and carbon dioxide emissions are rising, posing a risk to health. A wise homeowner knows how to balance the two with the choice of the insulation process for their home.

It is necessary to have home energy audits to determine how effective your current insulation system and find out what steps to take to make improvements. Home energy auditing also ensures that the areas that need air sealing are accurately identified as this is a requirement prior to house insulation. Hiring a qualified home energy audit services company is the first step. Aside from considering the cost of insulation, it is also imperative that you consider how you can save on your energy bills in the long run.

Aside from being eco-friendly, spray foam insulation is a guaranteed to be the best solution to lower your energy consumption. There are a lot of benefits to get from this insulation process. For one, you save on energy bills by as much as 60% that is a considerable amount of savings during a time when most homeowners are in deep financial difficulty. Cracks are properly filled so air doesn’t flow out of the house, saving you tons of energy.

It is noteworthy to mention that you stand to get tax credits from the IRS for installing energy efficient materials in the home. Likewise, utility companies offer rebates.

Its health benefits are significant since it effectively fills in cracks and holes, thus harmful toxins, pollen, and air dust are kept away from the air your family breathes. It is also good at preventing and controlling moisture.

The benefits of foam insulation are not strictly confined to energy and health concerns. This also acts as an excellent sound barrier, hence outside noises and disturbances are minimized and you maintain your privacy. It also ensures that your home is protected as it strengthens the home’s structure.

It is good for the environment because aside from being energy efficient and doesn’t emit harmful carbon dioxide. It is permanent, meaning no repairs will have to be done in the future, therefore no waste materials will be dumped to the environment.

Once energy audits for your home determine that your house needs to replacement or improve insulation, it is imperative that a reliable and reputable house insulation company is tapped to do the job. While you will find a lot of do-it-yourself insulation process, this should still be done by the experts.

It is not yet too late to improve on your home’s insulation system by installing spray foam insulation. If you are looking for a professional spray foam insulation provider in New Orleans, visit www.ecostarfoam.com for more information or call (504)383-3261.

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, it’s not too late to optimize your household’s energy capacity and save on your utility bills. Houses equipped with energy efficient systems such as home insulation tend to last longer and provide residents the true comforts of home. A continuously increasing energy bill might be caused by neglect. While a house that won’t stop triggering allergies due to dust and moisture is definitely not a place to live in. Don’t let the current state of economy discourage you from installing a home insulation system. In fact you’ll be able to add more to your savings by making some key adjustments. Usher in the New Year by making home renovations that’s on the budget and big on the environment.

Here are a few tips to get you affordable and ecofriendly home remodeling: 

1. Know you needs and goals
Evaluate the space you need to cover, the rooms and areas at home you want to renovate. Check the utility bills and see which ones are dubiously high. Identify parts of the house that has been bothering you lately. Check windows, doors especially the main entrance, the attic and the basement. This is your basis for making home renovations that you house might be in dire need, whether it’s new paint job or home insulation.

2. Locate a contract who can talk to you about ecofriendly home renovations
Find a home energy efficiency contractor within your area who can offer advice and services that will improve your water, energy and heating and ventilation at home. If you’re thinking of getting energy auditing or home insulation, get in touch only with contractors who are accredited by the state.

3. Improve you water situation
Check the house pipes, faucets and home appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines for leaks. Your household may be wasting water without you knowing. Always have a bottle of water at hand, filled from water from tap, instead of signature bottled water brands—so you won’t need to keep opening the fridge or water dispenser.

4. Let there be light!
Take advantage of natural light. Draw back the curtains during daytime. Check if you’re using energy-saving light bulbs. If not, replace them. These ecofriendly lamps produce the same results as their non energy-saving counterparts.

5. Audit your home’s energy consumption
To identify more ways with which you can make your home energy efficient and sustainable, get energy auditing. This system will analyze the flow of energy and consumption within your household.

6. No more cold floors, cold walls 
Invest in quality home insulation system. Your rooms shouldn’t be drafty; and the floors should be the right temperature when you step on them. Home insulation not only keeps moisture, mold and outside noise away, it also helps you keep your utility bills low. You won’t need to rely on heaters 24/7 if your house is properly insulated during colder season.

To learn more about ways on how you make your home sustainable and ecofriendly, visit www.ecostarfoam.com. Or call: (504)383-3261

Spray foam insulation is polyurethane foam widely used to insulate walls and ceiling in homes and offices. Spray foam insulation is the best way to protect your homes or offices from severe hot summers and extremely cold winters and to reduce your energy cost remarkably and significantly. This foam performs a dual role of acting as an insulating material and as an air sealer.It is a mixture of isocyanine and a resin which combines to form expanding foam that is sprayed to fill the cracks and cavities.

It is liquid polyurethane which after application dries into a hardened foam. Being liquid foam it is easier to spray into the small cracks and crevices where it expands to fill the void spaces providing an effective protection. It covers and seals the entire area and does not permit air or moisture to penetrate it as it fills and seals insulation voids that other types of insulation failed to reach or protect.  Mold and mildew formation can be curbed as moisture is controlled.There is absolutely no other superior and finer home insulating material available than the spray foam to seal your home from air and moisture invasion, to save on your energy bills and to protect your family from air borne contaminants and allergens.

Spray foam has an exceptionally high insulation R value and can effectively withstand heat flow which is the main purpose of insulation. Apart from temperature and moisture control spray foam insulation also controls noise as it acts as an obstruction or barricade to air borne sounds and noises by reducing sound transmission through the walls of the buildings. As it is non-toxic in nature it is absolutely harmless and also lasts a lifetime giving your home a better seal by regulating the indoor temperature.

Spray foam insulation is also considered as a best environment friendly insulation as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or formaldehyde. Though this type of insulation is a bit costly, the cost of spray foam insulation can be easily recovered in a period of four or five years time simply through energy savings alone. Moreover as spray foams fill into every crack and void space in the home there is definitely no possibility of bugs and other pest’s infestation and you can also cut down on the extermination costs

The do-it-yourself spray foam cans are available at all leading home improvement stores which help to perfectly seal and cover up cracks and gaps in doors, windows, pipes, fittings and other appliances. However to undertake large projects it is best to take the help of a professional to get it done in a perfect and impeccable way.

Spray foam insulation excels and surpasses the traditional insulation methods on account of its superior quality and commendable features. Spray foam insulation is the ultimate choice to stop air and moist infiltration, save on your energy bills, add strength to your building structure and to make your home a more relaxed and comfortable place to live in by making it truly noise-proof.

If a homeowner wants to make his home more energy efficient, he will often change out a large part of his HVAC system, such as replacing window air with central air or replacing a boiler. However, these changes can result in thousands of dollars for the unit alone. Homeowners can expect to pay twice the price of the unit after the unit is installed. After the new unit is installed, homeowners may not notice much of a difference in the comfort level of the home if air is escaping through holes in the building and the insulation. Homeowners may be able to make a more dramatic change in the home’s efficiency and comfort level by changing or adding insulation. This process is much more affordable than reconfiguring an HVAC system.

As many companies and homeowners strive to save money, they recognize the amount of money that they lose from energy waste. They also recognize the environmental impact of using fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources to heat and cool their homes. These changes in the construction industry have made the R-value of a building a much more important factor to consider when constructing and remodeling a building.

When determining whether a homeowner needs new installation, the R-value of the existing insulation will be assessed. An R-value is a measure of the insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value of the insulation, the greater energy efficiency of the insulation possesses. If a house has a high R-value, the house likely does not need new insulation. However, if the R-value is low, this can indicate that the insulation is ineffective and needs to be changed.

A variety of factors affect the R-value. The type of insulation that is used, the thickness and the density can all impact the R-value. Some houses feature multiple layers of insulation and this requires adding the R-values of each layer of insulation together with the other layers.

When air flows around the installation and into studs and joists, the R-value is less. It is also less if the insulation is compressed. For these reasons, spray foam insulation is often preferable to other forms of insulation. Spray foam can expand and contract with the seasonal contraction of the home. It can also enter the crevices and fill small spots that thicker insulation cannot.

The optimal amount of insulation that you need depends on the location of the building, the typical climate, they type of HVAC system you have installed and the location of the area where you are installing the insulation. Before making any important changes to the insulation or HVAC system, a homeowner or building owner should have the building inspected by an HVAC specialist. This specialist can assess the R-value of the home and can offer specialized recommendations related to the need for insulation and other ways to increase the energy efficiency of the building. The R-value is an important factor to consider when evaluating the energy efficiency, but a specialist can help determine other problems and solve these efficiency problems.