Insulating for Sustainability
Posted by Mark Campanale
by Greg Rosinski
Insulation’s purpose is to keep heat and cold separated within a home. This allows the area being heated to retain that heat rather than have it pass through the walls, and escape outdoors.
With Spring upon us, and heating bills in the mail it is not
uncommon for someone to think about ways to save on fuel consumption. The obvious reason for fuel consumption is through heating hot water or for heating the home. Excess fuel consumption increases the ecological debt that occurs with unnecessary use of resources to our environment. Considering the move of sustainability, and the benefits to everyone in the environment it is time people look deeper into their homes for areas to save on fuel consumption. Heat loss is the number one way to use more fuel than necessary. Most people simply think of their entry/exit doors or windows as the only offenders of heat loss; however, other areas to consider are electrical outlets, duct work, un-insulated heating pipes, holes in floors from piping, inside of walls, and in the attic. Investing in an energy audit will cost upfront, but the savings it will result is worth the investment. Decreasing the loss of heat in homes will help to limit the excess usage of fuel which helps the environment and saves on the costs of fuel. Decreasing the amount of fuel used helps to increase environmental awareness of conserving our natural resources. In addition fuel produces toxic emissions which are harmful to everyone, and the environment. Take the time to look through the house, business or other buildings to find ways to decrease on fuel usage.
As stated on the US Department of Energy’s web page, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation:
- Saves money and our nation's limited energy resources
- Makes your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house, and
- Makes walls, ceilings, and floors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Visit the US Department of Energy’s web page for more information on proper insulation.
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html
