AppleBlossom carries and will install a wide
variety of insulation. We continually look for cutting edge
products and services, especially when those products and
services will save our clients money and are environmentally
sustainable. The following information includes an overview
of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of
insulation as well as an explanation of the concept of
embodied energy. We hope this information will inform your
insulation decisions!
Insulation Types
Here is a brief description of insulation types currently in
use in the insulation industry.
Natural
Stabilized Cellulose
Made from 85% post consumer products, stabilized cellulose
insulation is typically comprised of newsprint and
corrugated cardboard. There is both stabilized and
non-stabilized cellulose, but at AppleBlossom, we use Nu
Wool Premium Cellulose exclusively because it offers very
little settling and superior density.
As a loose fill material applied in attics, baffles are
installed to keep the material away from soffit vents. The
baffles will also prevent wind from entering the soffit
vents and blowing through the insulation. Light fixtures
should not be covered with cellulose unless they are rated
to accept insulation. Our Premium Cellulose is very
effective when it is wet-blown in wall cavities for its'
insulating properties as well as pest deterrence, sound
deadening and fire retardation properties. Learn more about
Cellulose Insulation here.
Cellulose Batts
Cellulose batts are made from post-consumer recycled
newspaper and cardboard. These types of insulation are
recyclable and safe to install, as they are made from a
non-hazardous fiber. Cellulose batts are biodegradable, and
they are treated with additives to increase fire retardancy
and a fungicide to prevent mold growth.
Cellulose Boards
Cellulose boards can be used in any area that calls for
acoustical or thermal treatment, and they can be covered
with fabric or other decorative materials to blend with the
space's design. These boards are made with 65-85% recycled
materials. Cellulose boards present a GREEN solution for
acoustical and thermal materials.
Non-Natural
Petro Chemical
These insulation types are manufactured from petroleum and
other chemicals. These products have very high embodied
energy, and in our opinion, they contribute greatly to
Global Warming and Pollution.
For more information about how these and other plastic based
products are effecting our planet, check out the BBC
documentary "Message in the Waves."
- Open Cell Foam
Open Cell foam insulation such as Icynene can be applied to
walls and in attics. It offers a lower R-Value of 3.5,
especially when compared to our Cellulose at 3.8. This foam
is flammable and must be covered with a flame retardant if
attics where it is applied will be used for storage. The
recommended thickness for exterior walls is 3.5 - 5.5
inches. Installers must be trained to use this product as it
can be lethal if it isn't handled with proper care.
- Closed Cell Foam
Closed Cell foam insulation offers R-values of over 7 per
inch and is the highest R-Value available. It is applied in
the same manner as open cell foam. The material contains a
lot of water, which requires a drying period before a wall
can be closed. The material is easily crumbled when dry.
- Air Seal Foam
Air seal foam is used as an air sealant. A 6% expanding foam
is installed around all windows and doors as well as any
small bypasses where it is appropriate.
Other
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass insulation is usually pink or yellow, and it is
made in batts or blown in. Fiberglass is a spun glass
insulation product that is widely used in home building.
Relatively inexpensive to install, it is what everyone
thinks of when the word 'insulation' is discussed.
Fiberglass was originally used as a safe substitute to
asbestos; however, because the product is made from, in some
cases, up to 20% recycled glass; there is currently some
debate on the overall safety of the product. While it's
safety is debatable, it is important to handle this product
with care. Additionally, if fiberglass insulation gets wet,
it will breed un-safe microorganisms.
- Mineral Wool
The term "mineral wool" typically refers to two types of
insulation material:
Rock wool is a man-made material consisting of natural
minerals like basalt or diabase.
Slag wool is a man-made material from blast furnace slag
(the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal).
These products generally contain an average of 75%
post-industrial recycled content. They are fire resistant,
and they can be used in two different forms: blanket (batts
and rolls) and loose-fill.
- Reflectives
Reflectives are a lightweight products that is usually
called bubble-foil or foil-bubble-foil and consists of a
layer of polyethylene bubble that is sandwiched between
layers of foil. A radiant barrier reflects radiant heat
energy instead of trying to absorb it. This product can be
used as a Radiant Barrier along pitch lines (reflecting up
to 97% of all radiant energy) and as a Vapor Barrier in
crawl spaces (it is 100% waterproof). It can provide Class
A/Class 1 Fire Rating and reduces ice dam potential.
- Foam Board
Foam Board is used mainly in sealing crawl spaces, building
attic damn, and seals. R-values range from R-4 to R-20.
Additional Definitions and Acronyms
Accreditation Procedures
The set of standards and procedures entitled "Mortgage
Industry National Accreditation Procedures for Home Energy
Rating Systems" as published and maintained by RESNET.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or AFUE
A standardized measure of heating system efficiency, based
on the ratio of annual output energy to annual input energy
that includes any non-heating season pilot input loss.
Auxiliary Electric Consumption
The annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption for a
fossil fuel fired furnace or boiler in kilowatt-hours per
year, derived from the Eae as follows:
Auxiliary Electric Consumption (kWh/yr) = Eae * (HLH) /
2080)
where: HLH = annual heating load hours seen by the
furnace/boiler.
- Note: If fan power is needed (kW), it is determined by Eae
/ 2080.
Bedroom
A room or space 70 square feet or greater, with egress
window and closet, used or intended to be used for sleeping.
A "den." "library," "home office" with a closet, egress
window, and 70 square feet or greater or other similar rooms
shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall
not.
Biomass Fuel
Non-liquid and non-gaseous combustible substance burned to
create energy, such as chunk wood, wood chips, corn husks,
etc.
Biomass System
A biomass fuel combustion device and all associated
mechanisms, controls, venting, and heat delivery components
designed to provide space heating.
Climate Zone
A geographical area defined as having similar long-term
climate conditions.
COP
Coefficient of Performance, which is the ratio of the rate
of heat delivered to the rate of energy input, in consistent
units, for a complete heat pump system under designated
operating conditions.
Conditioned Floor Area (CFA)
The finished floor area in square feet of a home that is
conditioned by heating or cooling systems, measured in
accordance with ANSI Standard Z765-2003 with exceptions as
specified in Appendix A of this Standard.
Conditioned Space
Boundary
The continuous planes of the building envelope that comprise
the primary thermal and air flow barrier between the
directly or indirectly conditioned space and either the
outdoors or an adjacent unconditioned space.
Confirmed Rating
An energy rating accomplished using data gathered from an
on-site audit inspection and, if required, performance
testing of the physical building and its installed systems
and equipment.
Detached One- and Two-Family Dwelling
A building with one or two independent dwelling units with
an individual or central HVAC system.
Directly Conditioned Space
An enclosed space having heating equipment with a capacity
exceeding 10 Btu/hr-ft2, or cooling equipment with a
capacity exceeding to 10 Btu/hr-ft2. An exception is if the
heating and cooling equipment is designed and
thermostatically controlled to maintain a process
environment temperature less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit or
greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the whole space the
equipment serves.
Distribution System Efficiency
A system efficiency factor, not included in manufacturer's
performance ratings for heating and cooling equipment, that
adjusts for the energy losses associated with the delivery
of energy from the equipment to the source of the load, such
energy losses associated with heat transfer across duct or
piping walls and air leakage to or from forced air
distribution systems.
EAE
The average annual auxiliary electrical energy consumption
for a gas furnace or boiler in kilowatt-hours per year as
published in the GAMA Consumer's Directory of Certified
Efficiency Ratings.
Energy Analysis Tool
A computerized calculation procedure for determining a
home's energy efficiency rating and estimating annual
purchased energy consumption and cost.
Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER
the ratio of net equipment cooling capacity in Btu/h to
total rate of electric input in watts under designated
operating conditions.
Energy Efficiency Rating or Energy Rating
An unbiased indication of a home's relative energy
performance based on consistent inspection procedures,
operating assumptions, climate data and calculation methods.
Energy Factor or EF
A standardized measure of water heater energy efficiency as
determined under Department of Energy Regulations, 10 CFR
430.23(e)(2)(ii).
Energy Saving Measure or Feature
Any material, component, device, system, construction
method, process or combination thereof that will result in a
reduction of energy use.
EPAct
The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992
Equivalent Electric Power
The amount of electricity that would be produced from site
fossil fuel uses when converted to electrical power using
the Reference Electricity Production Efficiency.
Estimated Annual Energy Cost Savings
Positive dollar difference between estimated annual energy
costs for an improved existing home as compared with the
same home in its original condition or for a new home, as
compared with the HERS Reference Home, local code or, for
the purposes of Fannie Mae mortgages, the RESNET
representation of the 1993 Model Energy Code, whichever is
applicable.
Exposed Wal
Walls subjected to heat loss or gain.
Fenestration
A glazed opening and its associated sash and framing that is
installed into a building.
Standards (HERS Standards)
Minimum criteria that a HERS Provider must meet in order to
receive accreditation.
HERS
Home Energy Rating System
HERS-BESTEST
The Home Energy Ratings System Building Energy Simulation
Test published as NREL Report No. NREL/TP-472-7332
HERS Index
A numerical integer value that represents the relative
energy use of a Rated Home as compared with the energy use
of the HERS Reference Home and where an Index value of 100
represents the energy use of the HERS Reference Home and an
Index value of 0 (zero) represents a home that uses zero net
purchased energy.
HERS Provider
A person or organization that develops, manages, and
operates a home energy rating system.
Home
A building with one or more dwelling units that has three or
fewer stories above grade, or a single dwelling unit within
a building of three or fewer stories above grade.
Home Energy Rater or Rater
The person trained and certified by a Rating Provider to
perform the functions of inspecting and analyzing a home to
evaluate the minimum rated features and prepare an energy
efficiency rating.
Home Energy Rating System or HERS
The materials and procedures needed to operate a home energy
rating program including but not limited to: marketing
materials, training materials, publications, rating tool,
quality control, data collection and maintenance,
agreements, data collection sheets, home owner reports, and
other related materials and services.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF
A standardized measure of heat pump efficiency, based on the
total heating output of a heat pump, in Btu, divided by the
total electric energy input, in watt-hours, under test
conditions specified by the Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute Standard 210/240.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
Indirectly Conditioned Space
Enclosed space that is not directly conditioned:
(a) With area weighted heat transfer coefficient (U-value)
to directly conditioned space exceeding that to the outdoors
or to unconditioned spaces; or
(b) Through which air to or from directly conditioned
spaces is transferred at a rate exceeding three air changes
per hour.
Internal Gains
The heat gains within a home attributable to lights, people,
and miscellaneous equipment.
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The model code for building energy conservation as
promulgated by the International Code Council.
Labeled Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan that has been labeled for efficiency in
accordance with EPA guidelines such that the label shows the
cfm, cfm/watt and watts of the fan at low, medium and high
speeds.
Labeled Ceiling Fan Standardized Watts (LCFSW)
The power consumption in watts of a Labeled Ceiling Fan
"standardized" to a medium speed air delivery of 3000 cfm.
Light Fixture
A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, and
ballasting (when applicable) together with the parts
designed to distribute the light, position and protect the
lamps, and connect the lamps to the power supply. For
built-in valence lighting, strings of low-voltage halogens,
and track lights, each individual bulb shall count as a
fixture.
Model Energy Code: 1993 (MEC '93)
The building energy code as promulgated by the Council of
American Building Officials (CABO) in 1992 as amended in
1993. The RESNET representation of MEC '93 is the HERS
Reference home as defined in the "Mortgage Industry National
Home Energy Rating Standards" dated 1999.
Mechanical Ventilation System
A fan designed to exchange the air in the house with outside
air, sized to provide whole-house service per ASHRAE 62.2,
and controlled automatically (i.e. not requiring human
intervention to turn on and off). The presence of a
remote-mounted on-off switch or dedicated circuit breaker
labeled "whole house ventilation" (or equivalent) shall not
disqualify a system from meeting the requirement of
automatic control.
NREL
National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
On-site Power Production (OPP)
Electric power produced at the site of a Rated Home. OPP
shall be the net electrical power production, such that it
equals the gross electrical power production minus any
purchased fossil fuel energy, converted to its Equivalent
Electric Power, used to produce the on-site power.
Projected Rating
A rating performed prior to the construction of a new
building or prior to implementation of energy-efficiency
improvements to an existing building.
Purchased Energy
The portion of the total energy requirement of a home
purchased from a utility or other energy supplier.
Purchased Energy Fraction (PEfrac)
The fraction of the total energy consumption of the Rated
Home that is purchased energy, wherein all site fossil
energy uses are converted to their Equivalent Electric Power
using the Reference Electricity Production Efficiency of
40%.
Qualifying Light Fixture
A light fixture located in a Qualified Light Fixture
location and comprised of any of the following components:
a) fluorescent hard-wired (i.e. pin-based) lamps with
ballast
b) screw-in compact fluorescent bulb(s) or
c) light fixture controlled by a photocell and motion
sensor.
Qualifying Light Fixture Locations
For the purposes of rating, those light fixtures located in
kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms/dens,
bathrooms, hallways, stairways, entrances, bedrooms, garage,
utility rooms, home offices, and all outdoor fixtures
mounted on a building or pole. This excludes plug-in lamps,
closets, unfinished basements, and landscape lighting.
Rated Home
The specific home being evaluated using the rating
procedures and Standards contained in this document.
Rating Index
See HERS Index
Rating Tool
A computerized procedure for calculating a home's energy
efficiency rating, annual energy consumption, and annual
energy costs.
Reference Electricity Production Efficiency
Electric power production efficiency, including all
production and distribution losses, of 40%, approximating
the efficiency of a modern, high-efficiency, central power
plant. The Reference Electricity Production Efficiency is to
be used only to convert site fossil fuel energy uses to an
Equivalent Electric Power for the sole purposes of providing
home energy rating system credit for On-site Power
Production.
Reference Home
A hypothetical home configured in accordance with the
specifications set forth in Section 303.4 of these
Standards.
RESNET
Residential Energy Services Network
R-Value
Thermal resistance value measured in h-ft2-F/Btu.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER
A standardized measure of air conditioner efficiency based
on the total cooling output of an air conditioner in Btu/h,
divided by the total electric energy input, in watt-hours,
under test conditions specified by the Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute Standard 210/240.
Standard Ceiling Fan
The ceiling fan against which Labeled Ceiling Fans are
measured for efficiency. At medium fan speed, the Standard
Ceiling Fan produces 3000 cfm of air flow and consumes uses
42.6 watts of power.
Thermal Boundary Wall
Any wall that separates directly or indirectly conditioned
space from unconditioned space or ambient conditions.
Above-Grade Thermal Boundary Wall
Any thermal boundary wall, or portion of such wall, not in
contact with soil.
Thermal Storage Mass
Materials or equipment incorporated into a home that will
store heat, produced by renewable or non-renewable energy,
for release at a later time.
Typical Meteorological Year or TMY Data
Hourly climate data published by the National Climatic
Center, Asheville, NC, based on historical climate data in
216 locations.
U-Value
Thermal transmittance value measured in Btu/h-ft2-F |
