Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Should we use spray foam insulation or batt insulation?
May 2, 2014

I would encourage you to read up on SPF and if you do go that route, make sure you get a great and insured installer.  SPF does have additional benefit from and air sealing standpoint but beyond the airtightness improvements, does not (in the case of OC SPF) have any greater R-Value than traditional batting assuming that both are in an static air environment.  Best thing you can do from a real high performance wall assembly is to thermally uncouple the exterior wall from the framing.  This will net you a much higher performance assembly than SPF alone but should be done by someone that is familiar with this approach and applications. 

SPF is great but I prefer it to be used as an air sealant first and foremost. 

Educate yourself on the pros and cons before you engage in an insulation schedule. 

Eric Novotny

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Should we use spray foam insulation or batt insulation?

Eric Consuegra answered:

Apr 29, 2014

Hey Alex, 

?I would say that close cell spray foam insulation is the way to go if your budget allows for it.  Although it's much more expensive than batt insulation, the long term savings on your energy bills will be far greater.? Hope this helps! 

Cheers, 

Eric Consuegra, AROCON Roofing and Construction, LLC

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Should we use spray foam insulation or batt insulation?
Apr 29, 2014

Spray Foam. Much better insulator and fills any gaps that might otherwise be missed.

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?

Robert Shaw of Solare Energy PRO answered:

Apr 28, 2014

With current financing options that are available, the best return-on-investment is to go solar!  It may seem expensive to install a solar panel system, but with current financing options such as $0/down home-equity loans, you'll see immediate cash flow savings!

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?

Alex Bardi answered:

Apr 17, 2014

Definitely replace your air filters every single month as this is a big contributor to a home's energy efficiency when it comes to HVAC

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?
Apr 17, 2014

Check seals on doors & windows.  Replace single pane windows with newer products.  Check the attic for insulation.  Loose fill, blown in insulation is the best.  Make sure to seal any spots where air is escaping INTO the attic first.  Also make sure your attic has both adequate intake AND exhaust ventilation.  Make sure not to clog the airflow from the soffit area and the attic space by using Baffles as seen in the picture.  Check out YouTube for other great suggestions. 

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?
Feb 20, 2014

Air sealing and insulation are the two biggest things you can do to globally improve the efficiency of the home. 

There are several articles on this application and I have yet to be in a home that didn't need it. 

Tightening up the envelope across the attic surface will lessen air infiltration at all the other areas of the home. 

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?
Feb 19, 2014

Verify that all window and door seals/weatherstriping is in good shape.

Check to be sure doors and windows are caulked properly (no gaps, cracks or missing).

If you have an attic access, treat it like door opening and seal properly. If possible, create an insulated cover to go over it in the attic.

Check HVAC ductwork for leaks and seal with foil tape or mastic.

Wrap your hot water heater in a blanket.

John Ford asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Looking for tips on how to do a home garage insulation project
Feb 19, 2014

John,

Are you referring to insulating the ceiling of the garage (i.e. cold floors above)?   Will you be dropping the ceiling or are you looking for options with minimal disturbance?

John Ford asked:

Feb 18, 2014
Ideas for better insulation when the master bedroom is above the garage?
Feb 18, 2014

Hello John,

STEP 1.  This is a very common for homes with room(s) obove a garage.  Replacing the window (s) in the bedroom  may not solve your entire problem if the glass package you select does not include a high performance  heat reflectant type glass.   Which ever manufacturer you decide, its best to pay the additional cost and upgrade to thier best performance glass.  If you have already invested in new windows then check your paperwork to see if there is a greater performance glass option you can upgrade with for that type window .   This is a simple process and can greatly reduce your Solar Heat Gain for minimal investment.

STEP 2.  Select a certified insulation professional in your area to provide you with a "critical point air seal".  Properly applied by a certified professional at upper and lower rim joists in this room aproximatly  1' in width by 2" in thickness. Air sealing the upper and lower rim is a minimal investment  and provides  a significant and noticable change in comfort with a quick ROI.  Consider this service for the entire home.

Warm regards

Colorado Home Exterior

John Ford asked:

Feb 18, 2014
Ideas for better insulation when the master bedroom is above the garage? Since our master bedroom is above the garage, we experience extreme heat in the summer and bitter cold in the winter. In summer we can only get the room to only 80 degrees, in winter about 72. Our poor thermostat is constantly running day and night.
Answers
2
Comment
Hide Comment
1
Flag

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?

Nathan Harris answered:

Feb 18, 2014

You can also look into programmable thermostats!

John Ford asked:

Feb 17, 2014
Looking for tips on how to do a home garage insulation project
Answers
2
Comment
Hide Comment
Flag

Alex Graham asked:

Feb 17, 2014
What are the most cost effective things I can do to improve my home's energy efficiency?

Tom Gunter answered:

Feb 17, 2014

I would start with making sure your attic has adequate ventilation. 

Show More