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Staying comfortable while saving energy and money
By: Edna Schack

It took me awhile, but I finally decided to take Kentucky Utilities (KU) up on the $15 energy audit they offer to customers. It was a simple process to arrange the audit. Within a week or 10 days of my initial contact, Larry Leach, a knowledgeable and personable professional, was visiting with my husband and me about the energy efficiency of our home. We weren’t too surprised when he suggested we would benefit from increasing the insulation in our attic. We both had hoped all the junk up there would count for some insulation value – Larry chuckled.

According to the Department of Energy, “Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the energy used in the average American home.” Many variables such as climate, building orientation and design, and occupant habits affect the energy use of your home. While you can’t change the climate, orientation, or design of your existing home, eliminating air leaks and improving insulation can improve financial savings and interior comfort for you and your family.

Insulation in floors, ceilings and walls reduces energy use by increasing the resistance to heat conduction. In fact, the effectiveness of insulation is measured in R-values, the R referring to “resistance.” A higher R-value means greater effectiveness in thermal, or heat resistance. If you’ve ever been near a construction site, you’ve probably noticed the R19 or other value on the insulating materials at the site.

All materials such as wood and brick have some insulation property (even the junk in our attic). Materials like fiberglass and foam insulation are poor conductors of heat and hence have higher R-values, while materials like window glass and metal are better conductors of heat and have lower R-values. There are a variety of insulation types and their R-values are determined by the material, thickness, and density of the insulation. R-values are not absolute and can be affected by installation. For example, if insulation is compressed the R-value will be less than it’s full rating. For more information about insulating materials, installation methods and R-values, you can visit the following useful sites: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html and http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/
insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11220

To insure energy efficiency in all their homes, Frontier Housing (www.frontierhousing.org/programs.htm) uses 6” deep studs in exterior walls (rather than traditional 4” deep studs) and the insulation in floors (R30), walls (R19) and ceilings (R52) meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR® recommended R-values. In addition, any location where piping or wiring enters the house envelope or shell, spray insulation is used to keep out both air drafts and pests. Following strict insulation and air seal specifications makes Frontier Homes not only affordable to purchase but also more affordable and pleasant to live in.

If you’re interested in an energy audit for your existing home, most of the area utility companies or cooperatives have energy audit programs. Call the customer service number of your utility or check your utility’s webpage for more information. Kentucky Utilities low income customers can contact 1-800-251-7808 to determine if you are qualified for the KU WeCare Program that provides not only an energy audit free of charge but also installation of energy saving devices aimed to lower utility bills and energy use.

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