Go Green with Spray Foam Insulation

Posted by Green Tips Comments Off   Apr 10, 2012 @ 03:04

Go Green with Spray Foam Insulation Go Green with Spray Foam Insulation

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.


The Importance of Green Building and R-Values

Posted by R Value Comments Off   Apr 06, 2012 @ 03:04
The Importance of Green Building and R Values The Importance of Green Building and R Values

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.


Using Spray Foam Insulation in Your Home and OfficeS Using Spray Foam Insulation in Your Home and Office

It has become very necessary to insulate and seal our office and home, as the cost of energy is increasing day by day. Star Spray Foam Insulation is the locally owned firm that provides a full service spray coating. It has many products that can be used for different residential uses. Among the different usage of it, the two most important among them are- it can stop the penetration of air, and can also reduce the heating and cooling cost of your home and as well as of your office. With it the homeowners can easily enjoy a temperature that is very comfortable, and it will also reduce the cost of heating and cooling. You will also find that it is very reasonable.

One of the most important things to note about the Spray foam is that it is very energy efficient for the indoor environments. It has advanced green building techniques, which help to reduce the energy costs. You do not have to worry if you have wooden or steel framed residential or commercial constructions, as the Spray foam can easily go with both of them. The Star Spray Foam Insulation Company provides you the environmental friendly insulation products. All the products are very safe, secure and as well as very effective.

It is so advanced that it performs the best and provides the best insulation to your home or office. The company uses such materials that effectively reduce the cost of heating or cooling energy. The Star Spray Foam Insulation System will always help you to select the best and the proper techniques for the spray foam insulation, not only for your home, but also for your office. It does not matter whether you have new hone, or you are reconstructing the home or office, this material will always help you to reduce the energy cost, and will also enhance the quality of indoor air.

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.

 


Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 Energy Efficient America Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011: Energy Efficient America

In order to address the nation’s growing energy needs, US Senator Jeane Shaheen and Senator Rob Portman pushes for the enactment of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011. This bill aims to promote the renovation of buildings to become more energy efficient. As stated in the bill, the Department of Energy is to show support for all residential and business establishments in their energy efficiency plans. Such support would come in terms of technical assistance to ensure that all establishments comply with the national model energy building codes. One of the most feasible ways to materialize energy codes is to encourage the use of spray foam insulation.

Why spray foam insulation
One of the provisions of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 is for the DOE to coordinate with local Indian tribes, the State and the local government agencies to push the use of a technologically possible and cost effective means of ensuring energy efficiency at maximum levels. The spray foam insulation fits the guidelines perfectly because it has an R-value of 6.0 for every inch and that’s equivalent to a material that gives more thermal resistance with minimum use.

Benefits for Residential and Business Establishments
Aside from the technical assistance, another provision of the act also states that the DOE also run the Building Retrofit Financing Program. The said program will help reduce the financing risks for energy efficiency projects – including spray foam insulation.

Other than the Building Retrofit Financing Program, the Act also has a section for the Electric Motor Rebate Program and the Transformer Rebate Program. In the Electric Motor Rebate Program, DOE will provide incentives following the purchase of electric controls that would reduce energy consumption by up to 5%. The said rebate will be for $25 per horsepower.

Meanwhile, the Transformer Rebate Program is the incentive reserved for those who purchase energy efficient transformers that can help reduce power consumption by as much as 30%. This will apply to all residential and business establishments granted that the purchased transformer meets the standards set by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Benefits of Spray Foam insulation
The reason why the spray foam insulation fits nicely with the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2011 is because it has been proven to save the 40% of energy that is lost due to infiltration. Some of the other benefits of this type of insulation include:

  • Adds strength to the structure
  • Stops air infiltration as well as moisture
  • Saves on your energy bill
  • It is a form of permanent insulation
  • Reduces the capacity requirements of your home’s HVAC equipment
  • Keeps home clean by blocking the entrance of dust and pollen grains

The initiative of US Senators Jeane Shaheen and Rob Portman is one step towards a more energy efficient America. It helps to know that the Senate has finally decided to intervene in the continued depletion of the non renewable source of energy. By using spray foam insulation, you are not only helping yourself save on electricity costs, you are also helping an entire nation.

To have professional install spray foam insulation and be included in any rebate program, call 504-383-3261 or visit: www.ecostarfoam.com.

 


Make your home energy efficient with Spray Foam Insulation Make your home energy efficient with Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation reduce your energy consumption and help lower your energy bills. Spray foam insulation is easy to install and can lower your heating and cooling energy costs by 20%-40%.

Star Spray Foam Systems, LLC offers the revolutionary spray foam insulation service to residential and commercial buildings owners in Louisiana and its surrounding regions. We use the latest cutting-edge equipment for spray foam insulation and help make your home energy efficient – a perfect way to reduce you energy costs.

Spray foam insulation involves pumping of liquid through pressurized spray nozzles on the surface of ceilings or sidewalls, attic and basement walls, forming a continuous insulating barrier. After the application, the liquid expands upon a chemical reaction which eventually forms the foam to fill in gaps. With spray foam insulation technique, you can ensure that your home is completely sealed and shielded from wind, dust and other exterior environmental conditions.

At Star Spray Foam Insulation, we know the insulation technique very well and can help you select the perfect one for your place. With Spray Foam Insulation regarded as one of the best types of insulation available in the market today, Star Spray Foam Systems with the helps of its experienced professional installers provides free energy audit and 10% discount on an instant installation through signing up for our green tip newsletter.

We are expert spray foam insulation contractors in New Orleans, Louisiana and also serve in Venice, Metairie, Hammond, Slidell, Mississippi, Houma and its nearby regions.

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.

 


New Orleans Roof Insulation Ways and Benefits of Insulating the Roof New Orleans Roof Insulation: Ways and Benefits of Insulating the Roof

Roof insulation protects the roof from harsh weather elements, such as rain, snow or wind, for the purpose of controlling the temperature within your home.  Basically, roof insulation is done to prevent these elements from affecting the temperature inside your home, thus helping you minimize your energy consumption.

Roof insulation is recommended for people living in areas that experience four seasons each year. By insulating your roof, you can experience the following benefits:

  • Comfort- Insulators can trap warmer temperature inside the house, thus creating a tepid environment within the house despite the drop of the temperature outside your dwelling.
  • Saving/energy efficient- As a domino effect of trapping warmer temperature, there’s no need for temperature regulator devices within the house so it will entail savings from electric bill and appliance procurement.
  • Noise resistant- Houses with installed insulators are more peaceful as it not only traps temperature but also noises from outside.

There are three types roof insulation, and these are fiberglass insulation, cellulose fiber insulation, foam insulation. Fiberglass insulation requires the use and installation of fiberglass in rolls and sheets.  Meanwhile cellulose fiber insulation requires use of recycled paper treated with fire retardant while foam spray insulation requires use of foam spray usually applied in the undersides of the roof and fills the gap in and between the tiles.  While all these methods protect the roof from damage caused by rain, wind or snow, and traps cold air inside a home during the summer months and warmth during winter, spray foam insulation is preferred by many because it is more efficient and offers long term benefits.

Foam Spray Insulation for the Roof
Foam spray insulation is considered the most efficient insulation methods for the roof for it protects the roof from harsh outdoor elements such as wind, rain and snow, as well as pests and moisture.

This type of insulation works well for the roof because it covers the entire roof with no gaps, making the roof astonishingly air tight as compared to other materials. The best thing about this insulating procedure for the roof is that it does not alter the look of your roof, thus you won’t have to spend more money for reconstructing your roof or house just to properly seal it. With foam insulation, the foam is only applied beneath the roofing material to seal the room so that cool air from your air-conditioning unit does not leak out during the summer months and cool air from the outside during winter cannot get into your home. This way, you can save a lot of money with this roof insulation method in the long run. Aside from this benefit, you will also enjoy tax incentives, depending on your state, for availing this environmentally friendly procedure.

Aside from the economic benefits it offers, this roof insulation method also prevents moisture that can facilitate growth of molds inside your house. This keeps you and your family safe from health risks that molds can cause.


Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits residential builders Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credits residential builders

Purchasing an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for residential buildings makes owner eligible for a federal tax credit. Residential builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home which is able to save 50% energy in heating and cooling of home. Out of the total amount of energy saved, 1/5 of saved energy should come from improvement of building envelope. Federal energy efficiency tax credit is also applicable for contractors of manufactured homes who follow guidelines of Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. A tax credit of $1,000 is applicable to manufactured home achieving 30% energy savings on heating and cooling over the 2004 IECC and supplements or for homes meeting established requirements by EPA under the ENERGY STAR program. It is to be noted that with the exception of the tax credit for an ENERGY STAR qualified manufactured home, tax credits are not directly linked to ENERGY STAR hence a builder of an ENERGY STAR qualified home may be eligible for a tax credit but it is not guaranteed.