Top 10 Tips to Stay Cool & Save Money in the Summer

Use these Easy and inexpensive solutions for business or home to stay cool and comfortable without stressing your pocket book.


Installation Quality Control (Loose-fill insulations)

Part 6 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Voids and Gaps To ensure a quality installation, there are several things to watch out for when installing loose-fill insulation—whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional. You may create undesirable voids or gaps if you install the insulation at too low a density or if you do […]


Primary Applications of Loose-Fill Insulations

Part 2 of Loose-Fill Insulation. Loose-fill insulations are well suited for places where it is difficult to install other types of insulation, such as irregularly shaped areas, around obstructions (such as plumbing stacks), and in hard-to-reach places. They can be installed in either enclosed cavities such as walls or unenclosed spaces such as attics. Blown-in […]


Knee Walls

Part 2 of Ceilings and Attics. Knee walls are vertical walls with attic space directly behind them. They are often found in houses with finished attics and dormer windows, such as in story-and-a-half designs. One approach to constructing an energy-efficient knee wall is to first air seal the knee wall using conventional techniques (i.e., seal […]


Energy-Efficient Cathedral Ceilings

Part 1 of Ceilings and Attics. Cathedral ceilings must provide space between the roof deck and ceiling for adequate insulation and ventilation. For most areas of the U.S., the 1995 MEC recommends R-25 to R-38 insulation in a cathedral ceiling. This can be achieved through the use of truss joists, scissor truss framing, or sufficiently […]


Attic Insulation Techniques

Loose-fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Although installation costs may vary, blowing loose-fill attic insulation—fiberglass, rock wool, or cellulose—is usually less expensive than installing batts and provides better coverage. STEPS FOR INSTALLING LOOSE–FILL AND BATT INSULATION Seal all attic-to-home air leaks, especially chases, dropped ceilings, wiring and plumbing penetrations, light fixtures, […]


Mechanical Ventilation: Whole-House Fans

Part 5 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. A whole-house fan can substitute for an air conditioner most of the year in most climates. Whole-house fans combined with ceiling fans and portable fans pro- vide acceptable summer comfort for many families, even in hot weather. How Whole-House Fans Work The whole-house fan […]


Natural Ventilation: The “Chimney Effect”

Part 2 of Cooling Your Home Naturally with Fans and Ventilation. Natural ventilation relies on the wind and the “chimney effect” to keep a home cool. Moving air ventilates your home by entering or leaving windows, depending on their orientation to the wind. When wind blows against your home, air is forced into your windows. […]