Trace and Reduce Air Leaks to Save Money

Blower Door Testing, Building Science, Energy Efficiency, Insulation, News, Save Money

Whether you’re building a new home or making an older one more energy efficient, tracing and reducing air leaks can help you save you money. One way to trace and reduce air leaks is with a blower door test. We are thrilled that we were able to help one of our clients find the air leakage!

Blower Door Number Reduced

In order to trace and reduce air leaks, a blower door test was needed. Our pre-insulation blower door test number was 3,132 CFM (cubic feet per minute). After we insulated and air-sealed the space, the number was 2,009 CFM. We reduced it by 1,123 CFM or 35 percent! This is pretty exciting because the Building Performance Institute says that 1 square inch of air leakage is equal to about 10 CFM¹. So that’s 112 square inches, which is an almost a full-sized open window! With that amount of reduced CFM, our customer will see a drastic improvement in his heating bill this winter.

Purpose of 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. Learn more about Why You Need Blower Door Testing

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Recently, we teamed up with York EcoHomes. A York EcoHome is a York (Maine) household that commits to receiving and considering Eco-Friendly actions that will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. They are also a program of York Ready for Climate Action, a great way for residents to help accomplish the Town of York’s goal of 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030.

Insulation Savings Programs

The Green Cocoon is the go-to insulation company for programs like York EcoHome and Efficiency Maine. Efficiency Maine is the administrator for programs to improve the efficiency of energy use and reduce greenhouse gases in Maine. Luckily, one of our customers lives in York, Maine, and was able to take advantage of the insulation savings programs.

Visit our website, thegreencocoon.com, to learn how we can save you money by insulating your home.

[1] Building Performance Institute, Inc. Technically Speaking: What the Blower Door Test Tells You. (Nov. 9, 2017). Bpihomeowner.org

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. 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 five 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 almost three months’ worth of groceries for a family of four. This is based on a Massachusetts’ family spending an average of $10,235 per year or $853 per month[iii].
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 $140,000 (based on a 4% return)!

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 interest-free financing options.

[i] Commonwealth of Massachusetts (2019). Household Heating Costs. Retrieved from mass.gov.

[ii] Electricity Local (2019). Residential Electricity Rates & Consumption in Massachusetts. Retrieved from electricitylocal.com.

[iii] 24/7 Wall St. (2022). Cost of Living in Massachusetts. Retrieved from 247wallst.com.

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.

Prepare for a “Shake, Shiver and Shovel” Winter with Eco-Friendly Insulation

Building Science, Insulation, Save Money, Weather

According to Farmers’ Almanac (Almanac), we are in for a “Shake, Shiver and Shovel” winter. According to their extended forecasts, this winter season will have plenty of snow, rain, and mush—as well as some record-breaking cold temperatures! With the temperature cooling, it is the perfect time to save money and prepare for the shake, shiver and shovel winter with eco-friendly insulation. Make your home more energy-efficient by replacing your old insulation one of The Green Cocoon’s eco-friendly insulations.

The first day of winter and the shortest day of the year, officially arrives on December 21, 2022, but that doesn’t always mean that the cold temperatures and snow storms will wait until then. So what’s in store for New England? Read on.

According to the Almanac, “The first bite of winter should come earlier than last year’s. December 2022 looks stormy and cold nationwide with an active storm pattern developing and hanging around for most of the season over the eastern half of the country.” We think there will be a white Christmas this year!

New Hampshire Known for Crazy Weather

If you live in New Hampshire, you are no stranger to crazy winter weather. According to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, the coldest temperature on record in New Hampshire (-50°F) was on January 22, 1885. That was at the summit of Mount Washington. Likewise, many winters in New Hampshire bring snow, rain, ice, and chilly temps.

A well-insulated home is crucial, especially the week of January 16-23, 2023. The Almanac raises a red flag for bouts of heavy rain and snow across the eastern two-thirds of the country. Additionally, this will be followed by what might be one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air they have seen in several years. How cold? Try 40 degrees below zero!

Use Eco-Friendly Building Insulation

Many homeowners don’t realize 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 in and out of the home. This means that in the winter, your expensive and valuable heat stays inside your home, right where you want it. Cellulose and spray foam insulations are especially effective insulation materials.

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! So don’t keep throwing your money out the window. The Green Cocoon has eco-friendly building insulation that comes in various forms. We have what you need!

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?

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.

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.

Polyurethane Foam Used as a High-Performance Adhesive

Building Science, Insulation, Roof Health, Save Money

In the insulation industry, we all know why spray polyurethane foam works so well as an insulation and air barrier for buildings. Most also know that polyurethane is used to make many everyday objects in your automobile and around the house. But, most don’t know that polyurethane foam is used a lot as a high-performance adhesive.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Strongest

If you mix the A and B sides of polyurethane foam together, the curing liquid sticks to everything. This creates a strong bond with most any type of surface. In a foam form, the curing polyurethane adhesive rises to fill small gaps between irregular surfaces. This is closed cell spray foam. It reduces excess waste and energy consumption in buildings by up to 50% while adding strength—R-value (7 per inch).

Used in Construction Industry

This high-performance polyurethane adhesive has found a permanent home in the construction industry. Roofing contractors regularly use polyurethane adhesives to attach various roofing materials to substrates (see SPFA-142).

Polyurethane adhesives are also used to bond gypsum board to framing, especially in manufactured housing applications. Two inches of closed cell spray foam between wall stud framing can provide nearly the same racking strength as a half inch of oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing, according to sprayfoam.com. The same application of closed cell foam below the roof deck, between the rafters and trusses (new construction or retrofit), can increase the wind uplift resistance by a factor of three. It can also provide a secondary water barrier if the roof shingles fail.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) recognizes the structural benefits of closed cell foam insulation and polyurethane adhesives in their Fortified Construction Standards program.

Homeowners Save Money

Understanding all of the benefits of closed cell spray foam is key for homeowners. The knowledge helps them make better decisions regarding insulation choice when building or remodeling their home. Moreover, as we strive to construct more resilient and eco-friendly buildings, we encourage the use of spray foam in most of our projects.

Don’t Make These Basement Insulation Mistakes

Building Science, Insulation, Save Money

Incorrectly installed basement insulation is a common error. We see this problem not only with do-it-yourself installation, but also with contractor installation. The results can be disastrous as severe mold and mildew may become a problem, not to mention the loss of money on your heating bill. This is why we beg you, “don’t make these basement insulation mistakes.”

Use Treated Lumber

Since most basements are inherently moist, you need to keep all untreated wood away from the concrete surfaces. Moisture below the slab can wick up into the concrete and get to the base plates of the wall. Therefore, you need to make certain the bottom plate of the wall is treated lumber.

Avoid Using Fiberglass Insulation in Basements

As seen in the photo above, putting polyethylene over fiberglass insulation is a no-no as it doesn’t allow the insulation to breathe. Consequently, this homeowner had moisture build-up and ultimately mold growth!

For years contractors have been treating basements much like regular living space. It’s not uncommon to see fiberglass insulation in direct contact with basement foundation walls. Here in the northeast, we see several common mistakes, including:

Plastic vapor barrier against concrete wall, fiberglass insulation inside stud wall, then drywall
Fiberglass insulation inside a “bag” hanging from the rim joist down along the foundation wall
Stud wall filled with fiberglass insulation an inch or two away from the concrete wall^[1]

Those mistakes can increase the chances for mold to grow.

What Causes Mold to Grow in Basements?

Mold can grow on virtually any organic material as long as it has the right moisture level and oxygen. Because mold eats or digests what it is growing on, it can damage a building and its furnishings. If left unchecked, mold eventually can cause structural damage to building materials and can cause health problems. That’s why we don’t want mold in our basements! Specifically, we can prevent damage to buildings and building contents in the basement areas, save money, and avoid these potential health problems by controlling moisture.

According to the EPA, indoor relative humidity in homes should be kept below 60 percent — ideally between 30 and 50 percent. ^[2] In addition to preventing mold formation, maintaining the correct humidity levels may also have a bonus effect. It may discourage pests such as cockroaches, silverfish (bristletails), and dust mites from showing up where you don’t want them!

To measure the humidity of your home or basement, you need to buy a humidity meter and track the relative humidity level. That is the first part of understanding the mold problem in your home or basement.

Education Needed

If contractors are still using fiberglass insulation in basements, it means that we in the industry need to do a better job educating our builders. In order to understand the issues with basement insulation, you first must understand the role of vapor barriers in basements.

Use the Right Insulation

Over the years, we’ve come to rely on two main approaches for basement insulation projects and remodeling, including closed cell spray foam and rigid foam board. When installed in the correct thickness, these two methods result in a proper vapor barrier and superior insulation.

Get Educated – Be the Pro!

Today, the building industry and building science are changing rapidly. In order to stand out in the competition and provide a professional service to your clients, you need to stay educated on the latest methods. You can be sure that the team at The Green Cocoon is up-to-date on the latest insulation practices in order to bring our clients the best product possible.

If you have questions or need a quote on your next insulation project, contact us and we’d be happy to help.

^[1] Be the Pro. Avoiding Basement Insulation Mistakes. Retrieved from bethepro.com.

^[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency. Mold Course Chapter 2. Retrieved from epa.gov.

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.

Category: Save Money