Home Improvement Process Saves on Energy Costs
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With energy prices predicted to escalate dramatically this winter, ENERGY STAR, an Environmental Protection Agency program, now offers an important home improvement process called "Seal and Insulate." US GreenFiber's primary product line, Cocoon(R) insulation, is a qualified ENERGY STAR partner, and their product, used in walls and attics, plays an important role in this residential energy conservation process.
"With cold weather around the corner and President Bush's call to conserve, small actions -- like changing a light bulb or weather-stripping the windows -- can benefit our wallets and our nation's energy resources," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By taking a few common-sense steps to conserve our home energy use, we can get the most out of our energy dollars and keep more money in our pockets." The average American household spends $1,500 annually on energy bills -- a number that may go up as much as 50 percent this year. Almost half of that energy goes to heating and cooling residences.
The seal and insulate process has two basic steps in home energy conservation: 1) seal all places where air leaks in or out of a home; and, 2) add insulation. The seal and insulate home improvement process controls energy costs, makes homes more comfortable and helps the environment.
As shown in the illustration provided by the EPA, the most important place to seal air leaks begins in the attic with open wall tops, leaking HVAC ducts and holes around pipes, wires, flues, vents and chimneys. Although often covered by insulation, holes can be detected by looking for dirty insulation where air flows through it. After sealing air leaks in the attic, the next place to focus on is sealing the basement. Finally, all windows, doors, and outlets should be sealed off from air flow with caulking and weather stripping. To learn more about the process of sealing air leaks, visit: www.energystar.gov/.
Once sealing is completed, insulation must be added. The amount of insulation needed depends on the climate, type of heating (gas, oil or electricity) used, and the section of the house to be insulated. The attic is the first area to consider because it is accessible and, therefore, less expensive to insulate. One key benefit of Cocoon cellulose blown-in insulation is that it can be added on top of existing insulation. Once the attic is insulated, then insulation should be added to side and basement walls. And after all insulation is completed, a local heating and cooling contractor should check combustion appliances to ensure they are venting properly.
Since insulation is measured in R-value, which is resistant to heat flow, the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends R-38 to R-49 for attics depending on the geographic climate zone and the heat source. To view DOE's R-value recommendations, visit their web site at http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/.
Cocoon is unique in that it helps to seal air leaks while also insulating attics and walls to reduce escalating energy costs. All materials needed to complete the ENERGY STAR's seal and insulate program are available at building supply and home improvement centers. The process can easily be completed by homeowners or professional insulation contractors. If you have any questions, please visit our website at cocooninsulation.com or call our customer service at 800-228-0024.
Cocoon insulation consists of an earth-friendly, 85 percent recycled material and requires less energy to produce than mineral fibers such as fiberglass. Cocoon also reduces sound and has a Class-1 fire rating. The product, when used in the attic and exterior walls, promotes thermal comfort. In the interior walls, it also cuts down on the transmission of sound.
Established in 2000, US GreenFiber LLC is a quality-conscious provider of Cocoon insulation, fire and sound products. Cocoon is sold through major home centers, building supply retailers and lumberyards in the US and Canada to the do-it-yourself and contractor customer. US GreenFiber's products are also sold through a national sales force to residential and commercial contractors as well as to the manufactured housing industry. The company, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a 50/50 joint venture of Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX) and Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST). With its recent acquisition of Bonded Insulation, GreenFiber now has a total of 12 manufacturing plants. For more information on US GreenFiber, please visit us-gf.com.
Source: US GreenFiber LLC
CONTACT: Edie Kello, marketing manager of US GreenFiber, LLC,
+1-704-379-0653, or edie.kello@us-gf.com
Web site: cocooninsulation.com/ us-gf.com/ www.energystar.gov/ http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation
