Saturday, March 1, 2014
Midstate Homes
Insulation key to ending drafts and cutting bills Brandpoint
Whether it’s the chill of winter or the heat of summer, our instincts are to adjust the indoor temperature so it is comfortable in every season. But if your home has any drafts or air leaks, expect indoor temperatures to fluctuate dramatically. Leaks and drafts can hinder the performance of your heating-ventilationair conditioning equipment and cause your utility bills to skyrocket. Why? Conditioned air continually escapes the home due to the gaps within the building envelope, and HVAC equipment will work overtime to reach the thermostat’s set temperature. What’s more, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that air leakage contributes to potential moisture problems that can affect occupant health and the home’s durability. While traditional stop-gap solutions, such as placing runners by doors, may provide some relief, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends homeowners take a comprehensive approach. First, detect where the air leaks are within your home. A certified Home Energy Rating System Rater will be able to help you identify such areas as well as help assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality. Once all sources of air leaks have been identified, air sealing techniques and materials can be applied. Caulking and weather-
The Sentinel • D7
Stunning! GREEN LANE MANOR
313 Equus Drive, Camp Hill $464,900
Caulking can help save you money on energy bills. stripping are two of the most popular and common techniques that can help address air leaks. However building experts will suggest considering solutions that go further in terms of airsealing. A recent study by the Building Science Corp. showed that heat transfer was much lower in a home equipped with spray foam insulation than with other, more traditional materials such as fiberglass or cellulose. The reduction, about 15 percent, indicates minimal thermal transmission and better block of heat transference, which can have a significant impact on how homeowners heat and cool their home. Installed by professionals, spray foam insulation, such as that available from Icynene, works well in all climates to completely seal the building, filling every gap to stop air leakage and help reduce the strain on HVAC
equipment. Spray foam insulation both insulates and air seals the entire building envelope letting homeowners cut monthly heating and cooling bills by as much as 50 percent in some cases. As a long-term solution, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature year-round while helping to control monthly heating and cooling expenses. Thanks to spray foam insulation’s air-sealing qualities, homeowners can reduce the size of their heating and cooling equipment because less effort is required to heat or cool the home, according to InsulationSmart.com. While air leakage can cause energy bills to sky-rocket, a well-insulated home and economical winterizing can help you get through the cold winter months. Learn the five easy steps to choosing the right insulation by visiting www.icynene.com.
This beautiful executive style home features 4-5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths, a first floor master bedroom suite, dynamic two story living room with plenty of windows and a gas fireplace, formal dining room with wood floors, tray ceiling and wainscoting, and a gorgeous eat-in kitchen featuring windows below the cabinets to bring the outdoors in, skylights and a breakfast area. The 2nd floor offers versatility with an area over the garage that would be ideal for guests with a full bath, bedroom and office area. Enjoy the finished basement with half bath, the 3-car side entry garage, the private rear yard with patio and a covered side patio. So much to see and enjoy!
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HELP-U-SELL DETWILER REALTY 655 FORGE ROAD • CARLISLE, PA
(717) 241-6060
(717) 730-4500
WWW.HELPUSELL.COM