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.

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.

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.

One of best solution to save energy in your home is to get Spray Foam Insulation done on your as it not only saves energy but  also keep the house warm and protect your house by keeping away pest, fungus and molds. Spray Foam Insulation is environmentally gracious and holds the highest oxygen index and zero fuel contribution compared to other petroleum based insulation product.

Spray foam insulation keeps residential and commercial building warm during winters and cold during summers, as it does not allow air to escape through cracks and holes thus completely insulates walls and roofs of building. Studies have proved that Spray Foam Insulation has helped minimize the cost of cooling and heating by more than thirty to thirty five percent.

Spray Foam Insulation is fire resistant and as well as water proof and you do not have to worry about pests and fungus because it is also rodent and pest proof. One major advantage of Spray Foam Insulation is that it can be easily applied and is also easy to set up.

Spray Foam Insulation has got many benefits like:

• It’s a eco friendly product.
• Lower Heating / Cooling Bills and a Comfortable Indoor Environment
• Reduce Humidity and the Growth of Mold
• Reduce Noise Levels
• Tax Savings
• Keep Pests Outdoors, Where They Belong
• Provides enhanced quality of air along with energy efficiency.
• Helps keep your home warm.

Spray foam insulation lasts longer and it sticks to the walls without falling like fiberglass. When touched it doesn’t cause itching, unlike fiberglass foam.

About the Author

Star Spray Foam Insulation is locally owned and operated by Brad Harris. Our Office is located in New Orleans and operates in the Gulf South region to include Biloxi to Venice. Baton Rouge to Houma. Brad Harris has been a residential builder since 1996 and has a complete understanding of Residential and Commercial business and considers the most efficient and effective means of accomplishing the job under any circumstances.

With the beginning of summer everyone is looking for cooling options. The sweltering heat causes additional use of energy to keep the house cool. People take course to using more if the air-conditioners. All this adds up to the energy bill you pay per month. This is no less than shock for those you live with a tight budget. The air-conditioner may keep you cool but the energy bill it generates for the month could form beads of sweat on your forehead. Also, it’s not just the money you spend, the over expenditure of energy too is a major problem faced today and it needs immediate attention.

Thus looking for alternative ways to save energy and still keep your house cool in the scorching summer heat becomes a likely option. Following are a few suggestions that may help you chill this summer –

• Consider installing a ceiling fan in your house. Even at high speed the ceiling fan will consume less energy than an air-conditioner. Also they are efficient at keeping the room cooler and circulating the air.

• Lights also generate heat, hence try and use as few lights as possible. Also this will save energy as most of the tube-lights use more energy in generating heat rather than light.

• Even though it is good to have the sunlight enter your house, it may not be a great idea for the summers. The more sun light enters your house the more the temperature of your house rises. So keep the shades drawn early morning to keep things as cool as possible.

• Another quick and effective alternative is to dip yourself in a bathtub filled with cold water. This is very refreshing and also hydrates your body. You can change the water after it gets warm. This method will help you stay cool for a long time even after your bath.

A very effective way of reducing the energy consumption of your house and still keeping it cool is by covering the loop holes that leak the energy out or form inlets for the warm air outside. This can be done by using Spray Foam Insulation. The most important reason why people install spray foam in their house is because it saves money by cutting down on the energy bills. Spray foam insulation efficiently closes the gaps in the walls of the house that are a major reason for air leakage. Spray foam helps to maintain the environment in the house by preventing seepage of warm or cool air from the house, thus cutting down the usage of appliances like heaters and air-conditioners.

The installation of spray foam may cost you a little more than the other installations as it requires professional assistance to be installed. However the cost is covered within a few months of the installation by means of savings made on the energy bills. EcoStarFoam.com is a leading service provider for spray foam insulation installation. Our team of professionals use durable spray foam of various well known brands that cover every cavity in your house and make your home energy efficient. We are well known for our top quality services in New Orleans, Louisiana and surrounding area.

Home energy audit is assessment of energy consumption in home or residential buildings. It enables you to find out new measures to save energy and optimize present utilization of energy to make your home more efficient. Audits alone do not save energy we have to implement the recommendations made in audit to improve energy utilization. Energy Star provides extensive information to enhance energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and increase comfort of homes.

You can get specific recommendations for improving the efficiency of your home by getting energy audit done by a professional Home Energy. A professional auditor uses a variety of techniques and equipment such as Blower-Door testing, Weatherization Programs, Thermal Imaging Video, Duct-Blasting Test, Furnace Flute Testing, Moisture Reading Technology to determine the energy efficiency of your home. Implementing these recommendations can considerably cut your energy bills and save you lot of money.