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Dana Zurbuchen

summer grilling

Summer Energy Efficiency Tips

By News, Uncategorized

summer grillingAre you trying hard to enjoy summer – but sweating profusely over how much you’re spending on air conditioning? Saving money on your energy bills doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, there are a few simple things you can do today to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home.
Try some of these:

1. USE THE GRILL. On the warmest days of summer, keep your kitchen and home cool by using an outdoor grill for your meals instead of the stove or oven. Not only will you reduce strain on your indoor HVAC system, you can turn any day into a backyard party!

2. SWITCH ON THE CEILING FANS. Ceiling fans better circulate the cool air already blowing inside and the slight breeze keeps you cool too. Plus, using fans actually allows you to raise the temperature setting on your thermostat four degrees. This can help lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall comfort. Bonus tip! Switch on your bathroom fans — they pull heat and humidity from your home which also improves comfort.

3. SEAL AIR LEAKS. Low-cost caulk can be used to seal cracks, openings and other heat penetration points in your home. Air sealing keeps warm air out and conditioned air (air you’ve already paid to cool) inside your home. Need help or have a bigger job than you can handle? Give us a call. We’re air sealing experts.

4. MAINTAIN YOUR HVAC SYSTEM. Having your air conditioner serviced annually can help keep it running efficiently (and help prevent those mid-summer break downs). Check and replace your furnace filter regularly (which also helps keep your home clean), and don’t forget about your programmable thermostat!
Setting your programmable thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can save an estimated ten percent on your energy bills annually.

5. SEAL DUCTS. Air loss through ducts can lead to high utility costs. Leaky ducts keep conditioned air from getting to desired rooms in your home, and they force your HVAC system to work harder. Leaky ducts account for nearly 30 percent of an HVAC system’s energy consumption! Sealing those ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.

Questioning high utility bills this summer? Contact us today for a free in-home estimate.

EcoLogical Insulates City of Birmingham Tornado Shelter

By News

monolithic-dome3EcoLogical Insulation had the honor of providing the spray foam insulation for the City of Birmingham’s tornado shelter. A tornado came through a couple years prior and did a lot of damage. Unfortunately, many people didn’t have a safe place to go for shelter. The city built a monolithic dome as a shelter with the hope of saving lives during future storms.

When our team arrived, the dome consisted of a PVC-coated nylon fabric. In order to maintain shape of the dome, the fabric was being continually inflated.  The goal of adding spray foam insulation was to add insulating properties and help create a sound roof structure.

Our team installed Quik Shield 112 xc from SWD Urethane.  This is a 2 pound closed cell foam that is designed to provide a continuous layer of insulation. In addition to its insulating properties, the product also helps with structural integrity.

monolithic-dome2The install process was complex. Our installation technicians installed the product in quarter-inch passes. After the first inch was installed, the shape of the dome was held in place by the foam on the underside of the fabric. A total of three inches of the product was installed.

Do you have a unique project and wonder if spray foam is the answer? Contact us!  

Watch our video of the finished product: