Jun 23 2005
Is your power bill soaring faster than the summer temperatures?
The solution is simple -- throw on another blanket -- of PINK Fiberglas(R) insulation from Owens Corning. The same product that keeps you warm in the winter keeps you cool in the summer by slowing heat from entering the home. And, according to the Department of Energy (DOE), by using a few inexpensive energy-efficient measures, you can reduce your energy bills by 10 to 50 percent and, at the same time, help reduce air pollution.
"Fiberglass insulation is one of the most efficient, cost-effective ways to significantly reduce energy expenses, especially since homeowners can install many of our PINK Fiberglas insulation products themselves," said Gale Tedhams, Insulation Product Manager, at Owens Corning. "Typically, homeowners recover the cost of the insulation within a few years through lower energy bills."
Knowing where to start The key to better insulating a home is to understand R-value, a universal industry term used on all insulation products to measure its ability to resist the flow of heat through it. The higher a product's R-value, the more effective it will be at preventing heat from entering the home, thereby keeping the inside cooler. The DOE recommended R-values for existing homes vary by geographic region and take into account factors such as temperature range, the home's heating & cooling equipment and fuel type, and size.
Homeowners can determine their region's recommended R-value at http://www.owenscorning.com .
The best place to start insulating is in the attic -- it offers the easiest access and can account for up to 45 percent of a home's heat gain and loss. A good rule of thumb is that if you have less than 12 inches of insulation in your attic, you probably need to add more. Pay special attention to homes built before 1980, which generally have only 3 to 6 inches of insulation in the attic.
"Adding insulation is just one way homeowners can keep utility bills manageable during hot times of the year," said Glenn Haege, America's Master Handyman and host of "The Handyman Show" heard each week on radio stations nationwide.
Following are additional energy saving tips from Haege that don't take much time, but can result in big energy savings.
Use Fans Fans can make a room feel several degrees cooler by circulating the air and essentially creating a "wind chill" effect. When using a ceiling fan, make sure it is spinning in the counterclockwise direction during the summer months.
Close the Shades Keep windows covered with shades and blinds during the daytime to prevent the sun's hot rays from entering the home. Pay special attention to windows facing south and west, where the sun shines brightest. Open windows at night in regions where temperatures drop in the evening and relative humidity is 60 percent or less, to allow cooler air to circulate through the home.
Plug Drafts Unwanted air leakage alone can raise your energy bills up to 10 percent according to the DOE. Reduce heat gain by caulking, sealing and weather stripping potential air leaks such as around doors, windows, electrical boxes, recessed light fixtures and at accessible construction joints.
Install a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat can automatically lower and raise your home's temperature while you are at work or sleeping. The DOE reports you can save 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling costs by adjusting the thermostat -- higher in summer, lower in winter -- by 10 to 15 percent.
To give your home an energy check-up -- go to http://www.owenscorning.com/homereportcard . The interactive Home Report Card(TM) tool, developed in conjunction with the DOE makes it easy to find out if your home passes the grade.