Slashed Heating Bill with New Attic Insulation
Submitted By: Terry and Jeff Black (terryannb98@yahoo.com)

Challenge
“It’s too cold in this house! I am turning up the heat!” One of us was always making these comments during the winter. Finally we decided to have our attic insulation checked. We had not done anything about it in the 11 years that we had lived in the house.

Thermal performance of insulation is measured in R-Values. The higher the R-Value, the more the material resists the flow of heat, the better it insulates.The realization that we were at R-6 (the pink insulation had flattened to that level) told us that something had to be done to bring it up to a really effective R-Value. R-6 is nothing!!


Solution Details
blown
After some research we called McHale’s Environmental Insulation (a green builder) in Concord. We researched different types of insulation online, but when they came out they were terrifically informed. We had thought of using denim insulation but it turned out to be about 3 times as expensive as one made out of old newspaper that they recommended. So, for $1330.00 they blew in recycled newspaper insulation called Thermolok InCide. It took all of three hours. The insulation is rated at R-30, which is about the best level of insulation possible, and is clean, natural, and safe for humans and pets. An added bonus is that it’s treated with 100% borate to resist pests. It is a grey somewhat fluffy material that actually looks like great globs of dust.
Cellulose_Insulation.summ


Benefits & Payback
PGE sent us an immediate rebate of $285.00.
We can take advantage of the energy credit on our taxes; up to $1500.
Our house is warmer and we keep the thermostat at 68 degrees.
The last PGE bill showed a 40% decrease in gas charges from the same time last year. We will save 20% on that as well according to the PGE information.
What’s not to love?


Informational Links
McHale’s Environmental Insulation in Concord
Thermolok InCide Insulation

US Dept. Of Energy - Info on Attic Insulation
PG&E - Winter Gas Saving Program



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