subject: Insulation: Money and energy saving [print this page] Insulation: Money and energy saving Insulation: Money and energy saving
Insulation is one of the most effective and efficient home improvement solutions available in the market today. The various insulation materials are used to coat the areas of the house, in order to restrict the heat flow and save energy.
For effective insulation, it is essential for a house to be weatherized. Weatherization refers to the sealing of gaps and crevices in the existing structure to block the air flow; this helps in maintaining the temperature constant inside the house when using a heating or a cooling device.
To stimulate people to opt for such energy-efficient and environment friendly measures, the United States government has been actively devising policies and offering rebates to its citizens. Puget Sound Energy or PSE rebate is one such incentive from the US government directed in the same direction.
PSE rebate assists people to employ weatherization techniques to make their homes more energy-efficient by offering to bear a part of the total operations' cost. For instance, PSE rebate is applicable to those houses that replace the pre-existing windows with strong and efficient windows.
There is a wide range of insulating materials to choose from nowadays. Foam insulation is one of the most efficient and eco- friendly solutions available today. Foam insulation is present in two variants viz. open cell foam and close cell foam insulation.
Close Cell Foam insulation not only prevents approximately 95% of the total heat content from escaping from your home but also provides additional protection from moisture. This prevents condensation and organic growth and further strengthens the existing structure. The close cell foam insulation is available in the batt or rolls form and is also convenient to install.
Cellulose Insulation is yet another environment- friendly alternative that has been put to use extensively. There are basically four types of cellulose insulation commercially available today. These include dry, low- dust, spray and stabilized cellulose insulation. Cellulose is a recycled plant material and thus is an ideal 'green' alternative. Moreover, since the material is available in a loose-fill variant, it is also largely used for retro- fit insulation. The abundance of the material in all regions at all times also makes it a cheaper option than any of its counterparts.
These insulation and weatherization methods not only provide for an innovative way to increase the users' savings but also allow them to make a significant contribution to improve the environment. The policies like PSE Rebate have also put an end to any apprehensions that accompanied the attached initial investment in installing insulation.
