Attic Insulation is part of a complete system to keep your house cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter. Current building codes suggest an R-Value of 38 -49 Depending on whether you have gas or electric heat. This is basically 15-18 Inches of Blown Fiberglass or 10-12 inches of Blown Cellulose. Take a look in your attic today and then answer these questions:
Can I see the tops of my ceiling joists? Yes, then you probably have less than 5 inches of insulation. You should add insulation to increase the level to about 10 -15 inches.
Can your home "Keep Up" and stay comfortable? No, then it's probably one of three things: Dirty A/C Coils, Leaky Ducts or Low Insulation.
What about My House?
If your home is over 5 years old, it probably It probably has less then the recommended level of insulation. See: The Department Of Energy Fact Sheet and R-Value Recommendations
A good way to check is to look in your attic. If you can see the tops of the ceiling joists, you need more insulation TODAY. By adding insulation, you can start saving money and be more comfortable. No matter what your current level of insulation, it is recommended to get up to the R38-49 range by adding more attic insulation. This is especially true with rising gas and electric prices.
Insulation Advantages
Insulation acts to slow the transfer of heat from the warmer area to the cooler area. The thicker your attic insulation, or higher the R-Value, the longer it will take for the heat to move through the insulation. This is similar to wearing multilple layers of clothes on a cold day. The more layers you have on, the less heat will escape and you will feel warmer. The effect on your home is that your home will be cooler in the Summer and Warmer in the Winter.
TAX CREDITS - Info About The New Energy Bill
The New Energy Bill allows a 10% Tax Credit up to $500.00. For Example: If you spend $1,000.00 on insulation you can take off $100 off the amount you send the IRS at tax time. When you combine the Tax Credits and Rising Energy Costs, The "Payback" on additional insulation can often be less than one or two years. Plus, your home will be more comfortable. A GREAT INVESTMENT IN YOUR HOME. Click here for more info: U.S. Dept of Energy
For a free energy audit of your home please contact us by clicking here or call us @ (770) 979-8180 to schedule your appointment.
With the dawn of the holiday season upon us, it is time to get a plan in place foradding festive touches to the exterior of your home. But, before you stock upon the right lights and the perfect decorations and adornments, Christmas Decorwant you to be aware of some of the dangers that holiday decorating can bring.
According to theConsumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), during the 60 days surrounding thewinter holiday season, an estimated 11,000 people are treated in hospitalemergency rooms due to decorating-related injuries including falls, cuts,electrical shocks and burns.
If you are doing it yourself you should follow these home-decorating tips for a safe and festive holiday season:
- Use Certified Products: Only use lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA.
- Check for Defects: If you are using lights that have been strung in the past, be sure to check them for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
- Beware of Metallic Trees: Electric lights should never be used on metallic trees, because the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights.
- Flick the Off Switch: Before you go to bed or leave the house, be sure to turn off all holiday lights inside and outside of your home.
Many of theinjuries related to holiday decorating can be avoided by taking precautions andusing properly certified products. Of course, ifanyone is still hesitant about decorating their homes themselves, the safestbet is to enlist a holiday lighting professional like Future Services. We offer a variety of packages, with safe, energy efficient L.E.D. displays. Call us today for a free estimate.