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It's Easy to Add Insulation to Existing Homes and Save More Money

Fri 22 Dec 2006 - 12:05

It's Easy to Add Insulation to Existing Homes and Save More Money
By Phillip Rye

One of the most often asked questions I get is: "How can I or should I and how much insulation should I install in my existing house?" The answer is: If you have an older home that has no insulation in the wall, it may surprise you to find that it may be feasible to spray dry cellulose insulation in those existing walls. This can be done by simply drilling two-inch holes in the walls (sometimes interior, sometimes exterior) and spraying the cellulose through those holes. These holes can be easily patched when you are done, particularly if you are in the process of remodeling or repairing. It will make a big difference in the comfort of your home.

As for your attic, it is totally feasible in most cases to add cellulose insulation to any existing insulation you have there. My rule of thumb is that when you are finished, I want you to have a minimum 12 inches total of attic insulation. For example, if you have six inches now, add six more inches.

If your house is pier and beam with a crawl space, you should spray either cellulose or foam insulation on the interior of the perimeter foundation wall. This will prevent pipes from freezing, loss of ductwork heat and the floors in your home will stay warmer.

Why did I recommend cellulose or foam? As I've discussed in earlier columns and regularly on my radio show, "Home Remedies," we have found that cellulose and foam simply outperform more conventional types of insulation. I first discovered cellulose, which is made from recycled newspapers, in the 1970s when I was working for the Farmers Homes Administration (FmHA), overseeing the construction of energy-efficient housing for low- and moderate-income families and senior citizens. I learned about it from a builder in Mountain Home, Ark., who was using it to soundproof apartments. I decided to use it to soundproof FmHA-financed apartments and that's when I found that it was also great for insulation. By metering many of the apartments and houses we built, I saw that the utility bills were always at least 20 percent less on structures insulated with cellulose.

Doug Rye is a nationally recognized energy consultant and licensed architect. Doug also host the "Home Remedies" radio talk show that is broadcast in 15 states.

Phillip Rye is a licensed engineer and has spent the past 15 years studying energy efficiency and energy conservation.

Discover how you can have lower utility bills guaranteed! Visit http://www.dougrye.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Rye


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