Energy Efficiency Archives - The Green Cocoon

Insulate Your Home and Save Money

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Insulation, Save Money

The fall has officially arrived in New England and winter is approaching quickly! With temperatures already slipping below freezing in some areas, the thought of high heating costs is on our minds. Insulate your home and save money. By adding or upgrading your insulation, you can save money on heating costs, thus making your home more energy efficient. By using Efficiency Maine, you can save up to $3,000 by upgrading the insulation in your home!

The Green Cocoon is located just over the border in Massachusetts, but we also service our sister states like Maine. Maine is known for its diverse landscapes, lighthouses, and its delicious bounty from the sea. However, it is also known for its harsh winters. And, that has many homeowners bracing themselves for indoor drafts, cold floors, and hard-to-heat rooms. What if you didn’t have to put up with these home comfort pains this winter?

Why Upgrade My Home’s Insulation?

Many Maine homeowners don’t realize just how effective insulation can be at making their homes more comfortable and efficient. Insulation in key areas like the attic, basement, and exterior walls slows heat transfer into and out of the home. This means that in the winter, that valuable heat you’ve paid for stays inside your home, right where you want it. Cellulose and spray foam insulation are especially effective insulation materials (which is why we install them in homes here in Maine!)

With the right insulation upgrades, you can expect benefits like:

Fewer drafts and cold spots
Warmer floors
Lower annual heating/cooling costs
Enhanced overall comfort
Greater home energy efficiency
Reduced outside noise

When insulation is paired with proper air sealing to eliminate air leaks, the benefits go even further!

Insulate & Save up to $3,800 with Efficiency Maine Rebates

While an insulation upgrade does have an upfront investment, there are valuable local incentives available through Efficiency Maine to offset that cost. As a matter of fact, upgraded insulation helps you save money on your heating bills over time, and insulation has a remarkably short payback period.

Currently, you can receive up to $3,000 on an insulation rebate, $400 on an energy assessment and another $400 when you air seal troubled spots. The Department of Energy graphic below has a useful cross-section diagram illustrating the most common air leakage spots.

Take Advantage of Efficiency Maine Rebates with The Green Cocoon

As a Residential Registered Vendor with Efficiency Maine, we’re here to help homeowners on the southern coast of Maine save on their next insulation project. In addition to assessing the unique insulation needs of your home, we will help you determine the rebates for which you qualify.

The Green Cocoon would love to help you. We are just a phone call away at (978) 462-0082.

Why You Need Blower Door Testing

Blower Door Testing, Building Science, Energy Efficiency, News, Save Money, Thermal Bridging

Blower door testing helps us understand where structures leak and is the first step toward building tighter, more energy-efficient homes.

What is a blower door test?

The purpose of Blower Door Testing is to measure the air tightness of a home and check for air leakage. A blower door is a powerful fan that mounts into the frame of an exterior door. The fan pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings.

Blower Door Testing Diagnostic Tool - The Green Cocoon Insulation — Image courtesy of energy.gov/.

These are some reasons for establishing the proper building tightness:

Reducing energy consumption from excess air leakage
Avoiding moisture condensation problems
Avoiding uncomfortable drafts caused by cold or warm air leaking in from outside
Controlling outdoor contaminants, pests, and odors from entering your home.
Determining proper sizing and airflow requirements of heating and cooling equipment.
Determining whether mechanical ventilation is needed to provide acceptable fresh air and maintain indoor air quality in your home.

Determine the air infiltration rate

While the blower test is being conducted, our insulation specialist may use an infrared camera to look at the walls, ceilings, and floors. Moreover, this test finds specific locations where insulation is missing and air is leaking.

Preparing for a blower door test

Our experienced insulation specialist performs the blower door test. This includes a walk-through of your home, setting up the blower door, and conducting the test. The following steps will help prepare your home for a blower door test:

Plan to do a walk-through of your home with the specialist. Be prepared to point out areas that you know are drafty or difficult to condition comfortably.
Expect the specialist to request access to all areas of your home including closets, built-in cabinets, attics, crawl spaces, and any unused rooms.
The specialist will need to close all exterior doors and windows, open all interior doors, and close any fireplace dampers, doors, and woodstove air inlets.
If you heat with wood, be sure all fires are completely out – not even coals – before the specialist arrives. Remove any ashes from open fireplaces.
Expect the specialist to set controls on all atmospheric fossil fuel appliances (e.g., furnace, water heater, fireplaces, and stoves) to ensure that they do not fire during the test. The specialist should return them to the original position after the test.
Expect the test to take up to an hour or more, depending on the complexity of your home.

The Green Cocoon offers custom, cost-effective solutions to make your home or office building more comfortable. Additionally, this saves you money on your energy bills. Our troubleshooting and diagnostic skills separate us from the pack! For more information, contact us

Blower Door Testing

Why Proper Attic Insulation Is Crucial

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Save Money

Your attic does much more for your home than store your stuff. It is designed to provide a protective barrier for your home from cold, heat, and humidity. But in order for your attic to do its job, it must be properly insulated.

Traditional Insulation Not Effective

The Green Cocoon has almost two decades installing insulation and has discovered that traditional insulation isn’t effective in most cases! The most common types of insulation used in one’s attic are fiberglass and blown cellulose. The problem with those types of insulation is that many inexperienced contractors install them without sealing to prevent airflow. With fiberglass or cellulose, air can move quickly through the insulation and with that air comes moisture.

green-cocoon-nh-attic-insulation — Improper attic venting causes mold and moisture issues. Baffle vents were present but soffits were blocked.

Escaping Heat Causes Problems

If heat is escaping into the attic from below, and the attic is not properly vented, the warm air will heat the roof causing ice d am s to form. Some contractors try to fix ice dams by increasing the ventilation in the attic. But what they should be doing is putting in proper insulation! It’s all about the R-va l ue.

In New England, the R-value requirements for an existing attic is R-38, but for new construction it requires a value of R-49! That’s because newer construction techniques are becoming more efficient.

Did you know that R-value is measured in an air-tight vacuum chamber and allows researchers to conduct physical experiments without any interference from the environment? Your wall is not a vacuum chamber and the materials do not perform the same in the real world, unless completely air-sealed like the chamber. R-value is not constant, so it’s important to use the right type and amount of insulation.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Recommended

Closed cell spray foam is the only insulation material approved for spraying directly against the roof deck because moisture can’t pass through it. This, along with the fact that the foam fills the holes and crevices, makes it the best insulation choice to prevent condensation in the attic.

The Green Cocoon Attic Insulation NH — Nails are rusty and sheathing is rotted. Closed cell spray foam to the rescue!

Proper Ventilation

If you have properly insulated and air-sealed your attic, you won’t have heat loss or moisture build-up. We suggest installing a soffit and ridge vent, or two gable vents to help with air circulation, if you have an uninsulated roof.

If your attic is insulated with fiberglass or cellulose, and you have insulation covering the roof slopes, you need to have a vent behind it. As mentioned above, moisture can potentially pass through the insulation and condense on the roof causing a host of issues.

Reasons Not to Ventilate

If you have HVAC and/or ductwork in the attic, you don’t want to vent the attic because you will lose a lot of efficiency. The heating system will try to warm the house from a 10-degree attic and cool it from 130! A conditioned attic will prolong the life of your equipment as well as save you money with your heating and cooling bills.

Start Right and Properly Ventilate

If you have fiberglass or cellulose insulation already installed, then it is crucial that you have adequate and proper ventilation. But, upgrading your insulation saves money and efficiency in the long run. Don’t use ventilation as a way to solve inefficiencies with subpar insulation. That’s like putting a band aid on a bullet wound!

If you want more information on how we can help you, con t act us.

Rockwool Is Insulation of Choice on Energy-Efficient Arlington Home

Energy Efficiency, News

The Green Cocoon is thrilled to be a part of this energy-efficient project in Arlington, Massachusetts. The insulation of choice is ROCKWOOL Comfortboard® 80 (mineral wool/rock board). Comfortboard® thermal insulated sheathing is a rigid stone wool insulation board designed for use as an exterior continuous insulation. And, this home is completely wrapped in it!

Keeps Moisture Out

Comfortboard® does not produce smoke or propagate flames, keeping occupants safe and reducing property damage in the event of a fire. Moreover, this solution allows fast outward drying, keeping moisture out of your wall assembly. That is because it is vapor permeable.

Attention to Detail Is Impressive

Additionally, Rockwool placed over Blueskin is a fantastic air barrier! Blueskin® SA is a self-adhering membrane consisting of an SBS rubberized asphalt compound laminated on a blue polyethylene film.

Also, it is impermeable to air, moisture vapor, and water. Blueskin® SA is designed to install easily on a variety of prepared substrates. These innovative factors ensure the comfort of those living in the home. Moreover, there is an added bonus of reduced energy costs stemming from the improvement of thermal performance.

Recommended by Home Builders

As shown above, this building is going to be air and water tight. Build tight, ventilate right! No wonder home builders love these two products. They make a great team!

In summary, The Green Cocoon specializes in many different types of insulation. Just contact us and we’ll let you know the one that is best for your situation.

Thermal Imaging Cameras: Where and Why We Use Them

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Insulation, News, Save Money, Thermal Bridging

The Green Cocoon has many tools in its arsenal to help you stay warm and save you money. One of those tools is a thermal imaging camera. Where and why do we use it? We use it when we come to your home to evaluate your space. We use the camera to show you where cold air is coming in. Also, the camera comes in handy when we need to discover if there is insulation inside a wall or ceiling. We don’t have to guess. The camera tells us!

What is a thermal imaging camera?

Thermal imaging cameras are devices that translate thermal energy (heat) into visible light. This is done in order to analyze a particular object or scene. Furthermore, the image it produces is known as a thermogram. The analysis of a thermogram is done through a process called thermography. Thermal imaging cameras are sophisticated devices that process the captured image and display it on a screen. The image can be used for immediate diagnosis. Or, they can be processed through specialized software for further evaluation, accuracy, and report output. Consequently, thermal imaging cameras take measuring temperature to the next level. Instead of getting a number for the temperature, you get a picture showing differences in temperature.[i]

green-cocoon-thermal-imaging-2 — Here we see a completely uninsulated wall bay

green-cocoon-thermal-imaging-3 — This photo illustrates how much cold comes through an outlet switch cover that isn’t properly air sealed and insulated

Thermal imaging camera applications and uses

The first commercial thermal imaging camera sold in 1965 for high voltage power line inspections.[ii] Since then, thermal imaging cameras have been used in many fields. Firefighters use them to see through smoke, find people, and localize hotspots of fires. Additionally, physiological activities can also be monitored with thermographic imaging. Fever in human beings and other warm-blooded animals is just one of many. Building construction technicians can see heat leaks to improve the efficiencies of cooling or heating. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras are a common tool used by home inspectors.

Camera used in our evaluation

When our salesperson comes to evaluate the space you would like to insulate, they will be using a Thermal Imaging Camera. Having a tool that instantly shows a client where and how much insulation is needed, is invaluable. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

[i] Grainger. Thermal Imaging Cameras Explained. Retrieved from grainger.com. [ii] Wikipedia. Thermographic Camera. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org.

Got Cobwebs? Air Is Coming In!

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Insulation

Did you know that spiders make cobwebs in the draftiest areas of your home? That is because it gives them the best chance of catching a flying insect. Got cobwebs? That means air is coming in the house. Moreover, you can use the cobwebs to find where the drafts are!

Tons of Cobwebs

During a recent visit to a potential customer, The Green Cocoon team was shocked to see how many cobwebs there were (see photos below). We have never seen that many cobwebs in a basement, and the basement isn’t even that old!

Time to Insulate!

“Combined with improvements to insulation and the heating/cooling system, air sealing improves your comfort, increases indoor air quality, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing your energy use. It’s called “home performance.” (The Climate Center)

In conclusion, if you have cobwebs in your basement or anywhere in your home, contact us and we will help you eliminate the incoming air problem.

The Green Cocoon - Insulation against cobwebs

Does Spray Foam Damage Roof Shingles?

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Home Maintenance, Insulation

Has anyone ever told you that spray foam insulation will damage your roof shingles and void your warranty? Guess what? They are wrong!

Founded in 2007, The Green Cocoon has more than 14 years of experience; insulating attics. As a result, we have heard many stories about shingles. But, the biggest fear is that your roof shingles will be damaged by spray foam insulation. Consequently, we are helping alleviate homeowners’ fears by showing them the benefits of having spray foam insulation.

Is Spray Foam Bad for Shingles?

One of the biggest fears people have is that spray foam will make shingles curl because they overheat. This misconception came about when people believed insulation was a heat source and were concerned about having a “hot roof.” In actuality spray foam is a barrier between two areas of different temperatures, for example, your attic space compared to your snowy roof.

Photo courtesy of RetroFoam of Michigan

If you don’t know the term “hot roof,” I’m sure you’ve heard of an unvented attic. If your roof deck has been insulated, that means your attic space is now part of your home’s conditioned space. This method of insulating the attic can actually be good for your roof because it can help prevent ice dams.

The Florida Solar Energy Center did a study a few years ago during the peak summer months in Florida—a state that gets much hotter than New England—measuring the temperatures of roof shingles above an attic with a radiant barrier. Depending on the color of the shingles, the study found the shingles peak temperatures were between 2- and 5-degrees Fahrenheit higher than the temperature of shingles in the same conditions without a radiant barrier.

What this study means is that you can insulate the roof deck of your home with foam insulation without any adverse effects to your shingles. Foam insulation creates thermal resistance, which is keeping the hot air out during the summer and the cool air inside.

Insulating Your Attic with Spray Foam

Now that we’ve shown you the research that your shingles won’t curl or get ruined with spray foam insulation, you might be curious about the benefits of foam insulation in your attic.

If you have general questions, check out the FAQ section of our website. For more in-depth questions, contact us and we would be happy to answer any them.

Tax and Rebate Incentives

Energy Efficiency, Insulation, Save Money

Do you live in Southern Maine and are looking to upgrade your existing insulation? If so, Efficiency Maine is currently offering rebates and incentives for energy improvements. This includes air sealing and insulation through the Home Energy Savings Program. The program can give you tax and rebate incentives, which offers up to $5,500 in rebates!

Inadequate Insulation

Efficiency Maine data indicates that the majority of Maine homes have inadequate insulation. Furthermore, insulating to recommended levels in Maine attics, basements, and walls can cut heating costs by 40 percent or more.

Qualified Insulation Partner in Maine

The Green Cocoon is proud to be a Qualified Insulation Partner with Efficiency Maine. Go to their website today to find out if you qualify for the program.

Monitor the Health of Your Roof During the Winter

Energy Efficiency, Insulation, Roof Health, Save Money

Many cities across the country were hit with a major winter storm last week, and for some, it was the first big one of the season. One area of the house that gets hit the hardest during a winter storm is the roof. Make sure to monitor the health of your roof during the winter to make sure it is strong enough to take the brunt of bad weather. If the snow isn’t melting quickly, it means that heat from your home isn’t escaping through your attic floors and then transferring from your roof to the exteriors. That means your roof is doing its job!

Bare spots and icicles mean heat is escaping

If your roof gets a decent amount of snow on it, make sure it’s not melting in specific spots. That means there’s heat loss likely due to poor insulation and/or ventilation in the attic. If that is the case, give us a call once the snow melts.

After a snowfall, every homeowner should take a look at their roof and check for hot spots—areas on the roof where the snow has melted. It’s normal for some melting around venting and fireplace exhausts, but you shouldn’t see any bare patches on your roof. A snow-covered roof means your insulation is doing its job.[1] If not, it’s time for a new insulation package!

Also, keep an eye out for icicles—another sign of heat loss. If your roof is warm enough to melt the snow but it’s cold enough outside for snow to refreeze, your roof is losing heat. That’s not healthy for your energy bills or the environment.

Remove some snow if it gets too deep

What about the weight of snow? If there’s ice too, that can be a heavy load. Add the weight of two layers of shingles and that’s one roof no one would want over their head. Generally, most roofs max out at about 20 pounds of snow per square foot, which translates to around two feet of wet snow or up to four feet of light, fluffy snow.[2]

Once you start hitting those levels, you may want to think about removing the snow. Otherwise, it could potentially cause your roof to cave in, which is a terrible experience in any weather, but particularly during subzero temperatures. Still, you can’t exactly get on top of your roof with a snow shovel. If you have an asphalt roof, you run the risk of doing serious damage to your shingles, which can cause your roof to leak afterwards—and all kinds of havoc as a consequence.²

If you don’t have the proper equipment to remove the snow yourself, hire a roofing contractor to safely handle the removal for you. It generally only costs about $100 to $300, and it will save your roof a lot of wear and tear.[3]

Install an ice and water shield

We suggest you install an ice and water shield over the first four feet of roof, on top of the sheathing—not just along the edges near gutters. This adds a second layer of protection against leaks and moisture where ice dams may occur, so if water gets in below the shingles the sheathing is watertight.

Another reason to add an ice and water shield is it seals around nails, unlike tar paper, roofing felt, or asphalt paper. If you have shingles on your roof, as most North American homes do, for every nail that goes through the tar paper there’s a tiny hole — an open invitation for water in your attic.

Check your attic (and garage) after a storm too. If you see frost on the sheathing it’s not a good sign. It means your attic isn’t properly vented for your specific insulation type or it is lacking insulation all together, which could lead to mold or rot. If you see any signs of mold or rot in your roof, call a professional remediation company.

Your roof and attic are crucial when it comes to protecting your home over the winter. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to make sure your insulation package is up-to-date.

[1] National Post (Feb. 7, 2015). Snow piling up on your house is a good indicator of the roof's condition. Retrieved from nationalpost.com.

[2] Modernize (2019). Is Snow Good or Bad for Your Roof? Retrieved from modernize.com.

[3] Cost Owl (2019). How Much Does Roof Snow Removal Cost? Retrieved from costowl.com.

Invest in Insulation

Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Financing, Insulation, Save Money

One question we always get asked here at The Green Cocoon is, “What is the R.O.I. (return on investment) on insulation?” Consumers want to know if the upfront cost is worth it and more importantly, how long it takes to see the payback. We say, “Invest in Insulation.” But, let’s break this down and find out!

Energy Costs Analyzed

Energy costs vary per state, and since we are located in Massachusetts, we will use that state. The average winter heating bill for oil (most popular) is about $2,343 per year (based on a 1,903 sq. ft. home)[i]. The average yearly electric bill is around $3,516[ii], and much higher in the summer months due to the use of air conditioners. That comes to a moderate total of $5,859 annually.

Some of our customers have seen reductions in their heating and cooling bills of up to 75 percent, but for the sake of this example, let’s just say that by insulating your home you save 40 percent. That is a savings of $2,331 per year! If the average insulation job for a medium-sized home is around $8,000 (give or take a few thousand depending on size and material), it would take just under four years to get the return on your investment. After that, you are pocketing an extra $2,331 per year. Think of all of the things you could do with that money! What does that money equal?

What You Can Do With Savings

Here’s what you can do with $2,331:

You can buy two months’ worth of groceries for a family of four.
You and your significant other could take a one-week cruise to the southern Caribbean from Boston.
Fill the gas tank in your car for almost one year (depending on car size and miles travelled).
Invest it every year and after 30 years you would have almost $50,000!

As you can see, insulation is well worth the investment. The question isn’t, “Can I afford it?” The question is, “How can you not?”

If you don’t have the money upfront for insulation, there’s no need to wait to start saving. Ask us about our financing options.

[i] Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2021/2022). Household Heating Costs. Retrieved from mass.gov. [ii] Wbur.org (2022). Price shock: What Mass. residents should expect from their home energy bills this winter. Retrieved from wbur.org.

Category: Energy Efficiency