Insulation

When appropriate, properly insulating your attic, walls, and basement/crawl space ceiling may provide the single biggest improvement to your home’s energy efficiency. Our fully trained crews will install the insulation to the manufacturers’ specifications and make sure you are 100% satisfied.

Remember, the less energy you waste heating or cooling your home, the more money you can put toward larger energy efficiency projects and the fewer solar panels you’ll need. Go green and find ways to reduce your energy consumption and your bills with EcoSmart Home Services!

Effective insulation:

Connecticut (CT) offers excellent incentives for reducing energy costs in homes through the Home Energy Solutions program, which promotes a whole-home approach to energy efficiency. Among various measures, air sealing and insulation are key components in transforming a drafty and expensive home into a healthier, more comfortable, and cost-effective one.

To achieve these benefits, consider the following factors:

1. Cellulose Insulation:
   • Utilizing 100% borate cellulose insulation offers multiple advantages, including:
     • Rodent elimination
     • Fire resistance
     • Higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass insulation
2. Cost-Effectiveness of Cellulose:
   • Cellulose insulation is a more economically viable choice than spray foam insulation.
3. Saving on Heating and Cooling Costs:
   • The ultimate objective of adding insulation is to reduce heating expenses during winter and cooling costs in summer, proving its effectiveness.
4. Priority of Insulation:
   • Insulation should be the initial energy efficiency upgrade since it significantly affects the sizing of HVAC systems and overall effectiveness.
5. Preceding Air Sealing:
   • Before air sealing, it is crucial to conduct tests for health and safety issues, such as mold, asbestos, carbon monoxide leaks, gas leaks, and proper venting of heating equipment.
6. Attic Insulation:
   • Air sealing and insulating the attic yield the highest return on investment.
7. CT Micro Loan:
   • CT provides a 0% micro loan, payable through your electric bill, with no credit check required, as long as there is a consistent payment history with the EDCs (Electric Distribution Companies).
8. Rebates:
   • A rebate covers 75% of the job’s cost, and an additional rebate is available, covering up to $1.70 per square foot.
9. Fuel Assistance Recipients:
   • If you receive fuel assistance but haven’t undergone an energy audit, numerous opportunities are available for upgrading insulation, windows, refrigerators, and HVAC equipment.

When pursuing these energy efficiency improvements, consider various insulation options, including dense pack insulation, rim joist insulation, ceiling insulation, retrofit insulation, insulation removal, wool insulation, denim insulation, Roxul insulation (rock wool insulation), as well as different insulation materials like rigid insulation and polyisocyanurate insulation (polyiso insulation). Additionally, techniques like air sealing, vapor barrier installation, basement floor insulation, and thermal breaks contribute to better thermal efficiency. For advanced energy goals, explore net zero homes, structural insulated panels (SIP panels), SIP roofs, and thermal imaging technology. Lastly, consider working with professionals certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) for comprehensive building science expertise, including services like knob and tube removal and establishing a thermal boundary.

If you’d like to get started and haven’t had an energy audit in the past 3 years please fill out the form below: