If the home construction has already been completed, then spray foam will probably not be an economical method of retroactively Power Efficiency Guide Review insulating a home. In this instance, blown in insulation should be more inexpensive, but will still be labor intensive. There is a relatively affordable alternative. Retrofitting a pre-existing building with a radiant barrier is usually more inexpensive than most other alternatives. There are different methods for installing a radiant barrier. The most common way is, in essence, to lay the barrier on top of ceiling joists in the attic. Radiant barriers can also be useful by installing under the home in a crawl space. With the reflective surfaces of the radiant barrier, heat from the exterior, which penetrates the roof, is reflected back away from the living quarters.

Radiant barriers have been used in several different applications. The technology is the same means which NASA uses for the astronauts in the space program by allowing the astronauts to retain warmth in the cold of space. While this radiant barrier technology has been in existence for over one hundred years, it was only recently adapted for the residential construction industry in the past couple of decades. Mold and moisture always needs to be considered when installing a radiant barrier. Some applications may require the use of a perforated barrier for better condensation control. The professional installer in the local region should be able to determine the best way to install the barrier.

Begin by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, change filters regularly in heating and air conditioning units, replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows, take a shower instead of a bath to save water, hang your wash on a cloths line instead of using the dryer. Begin by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, changing filters regularly in heating and air conditioning units, replace worn weather stripping around doors and windows, take a shower instead of a bath to save water, hang your wash on a cloths line instead of using the dryer. These are just a few of the many simple steps you can begin doing today.

Just consider the amount of energy we use each day in your home. Refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer, TV, air conditioner, furnace, electric fan, computer, printer and the list goes on and on. We all depend upon the conveniences, and take them for granted. But they all consume energy which we pay for. If you own your home I'm sure you have thought of using solar panels as an energy source. But you may have thought it is too expensive. Have you ever thought of building your own system? It is possible to build a simple solar energy system for very little money, and it can save you a substantial sum of money. My neighbor built his own system (did it himself) two years ago and says he has cut his heating costs by 30%.