Save the Planet, Save some $$$! The R-Value in Insulation

With all of the talk about being environmentally friendly, green certified, and Eco-chic I thought I'd take a moment to share a bit about energy conservation.  A great place to start is with your home insulation.  Heating and cooling a home account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. Adding insulation is one of the least expensive ways to boost efficiency to save energy, protect the environment, and save a chunk of money in the process.

R-Value measures insulating power.

Insulating your home can dramatically cut down on home heating and cooling costs.  When you shop for insulation, always look for the "R-Value" - the higher the R-Value, the better the insulating power.  Be careful not to mistake thicker insulation as better insulation.  Thick insulation does not necessarily mean higher R-Value.

To find the R-Value you need, check with your local utility company.  Recommended levels vary depending on where you live.  Remember, if you install more insulation than necessary, you'll be wasting money.  If home contractors install your insulation, be sure to discuss what R-Value is best for your home.

Ask retailers and home installers for a fact sheet on insulation before buying.  This fact sheet, required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), tells you the type of insulation, its R-Value, and the area it will cover.

If home contractors install your insulation, they must give you a contract or receipt showing the insulation's R-Value, coverage area, and thickness.  If loose-fill insulation is installed, the number of bags used also must be included.

These are just a few things to consider when adding or upgrading the insulation in your home.  As always, consult with a local professional in order to uncover any additional regulations for your area.  Your real estate agent will likely be the best resource for a qualified referral to a contractor in this area.  Give them a call and ask for their advice.  They will appreciate your call and ensure that your needs are taken care of.

This information is included in the Ultimate Home Journal, the best home diary available on the market today.  This high quality, 160 page book is the place to keep all of the who, what, when, why and how's of your home.

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Here are a few more e-terms for you:

Carbon footprint
A measured amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide which are released into the atmosphere by manufacture, transport, products, materials, activities etc. Footprints are described in CO2 equivalent grams.

Close the Loop
To buy a recycled product which has been remanufactured / reprocessed / reused on more than one occasion. This eliminates waste and creates a complete product cycle.

Eco-chic / Green Chic
The trend and fashion of being environmentally conscious and buying 'green’ products.

Eco-elite
A person who is environmentally conscious and who has the finances to support their environmental preferences.

Green Building / Sustainable Building Design
Building design and construction which uses methods, systems and materials that have a lower negative effect on the environment than conventional building design. Typical features are energy efficiency, daylighting, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, eco building materials and brown land use.

Holistic Interior Design / Zen Interior Design
A complimentary way of designing interiors based on achieving a balance between; design principles, human health and well-being and our natural environment.

Post-Consumer
A product or material which has been recycled or reused after its original purpose has completed. An example would be PET plastic bottles which have been recycled into new plastic bottles. The label may say “made with 95% post-consumer waste”.

What is your favorite e-word or phrase.  I'm awarding a special prize to the funniest, best, most entertaining reply!