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Comforter Energy
Management
It’s Comforting to know we’re there
Q. How much insulation do I need?
A. This depends largely upon where you live. The Federal Government has recommended insulation levels according to geographical zones. The recommended level of attic insulation for Kentucky is an R38-49.
Q. What does R-Value stand for?
A. R-value is simply the resistance to heat flow of any given material. When evaluating the efficiency of insulation, it is important to look at the materials R-value level. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power, and the greater your potential energy savings.
Q. How long will it take to recoup my investment in energy savings?
A. If you install insulation to the optimum level, it usually takes 3-5 years for the insulation to pay for itself in energy savings. The optimum level of insulation is the amount of insulation which will give you optimum return on your investment. For example, an R-38-49 level of insulation is considered the optimum level of insulation for the Kentucky geographical zone.
Q. How does ventilation help in the insulating process?
A. If you are considering adding insulation to your older, existing home, it is important that the attic should be properly vented. In attics this can be accomplished by providing adequate ventilation. One way to do this, (the most common method) is through a natural or static ventilation system, consisting of simple vent openings in your attic. These can be soffit, eave or ridge vents or a combination of the three. They are simple openings covered by grillwork to keep rain and snow out of your attic. The other way is by a power or mechanical ventilation system.
Remember, by properly insulating and ventilating your home, you’ll enable excessive moisture to escape before it condenses in your attic and walls causing damage. In winter, you’ll also run less risk of ice dams which are caused when heat escapes and allows snow to melt down your roof and freeze on the colder overhang areas of the roof. In the summer, super-heated air will also be able to escape to the outside, helping to keep your attic cooler and reduce your air conditioning costs.
Q. What is firestopping?
A. Firestopping is a material or combination of materials used to retain integrity of fire-rated construction by maintaining an effective barrier against the spread of flame, smoke and hot gases through penetrations in , or construction joints between, fire rated wall and floor assemblies. Simply put, firestop is a product that, when installed properly with other components, slows the passage of fire, smoke and water from one side of a wall or floor assembly to another.
Q. Can I save money by installing insulation in my new home by myself?
A. We recommend you get a quote from us and compare. A majority of the time we are able to insulate your new construction home for the same price you would buy the insulation at a lumber yard. We save you time and money, in addition to the peace of mind you’ll have knowing your insulation has been installed by the professionals at Comforter Energy Management Co.