More than ever, making sustainable choices for your home improvement projects is crucial not just for the future of our planet but also for your wallet. Energy costs are rising, but the government is also providing incentives for homeowners to utilize energy-efficient technologies. Today we’ll talk about why cellulose insulation is the best option for your home and your bank account.
1. Cellulose manufacturing and shipping uses much less energy than other types of insulation
According to the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association, cellulose insulation has the lowest “embodied energy” of leading insulation products. That means it takes less energy to produce than other insulation materials. Cellulose insulation is also manufactured regionally, which means less energy for shipping and transportation. Regional manufacturing has the added bonus of protecting and improving the local economy.
2. Cellulose insulation is made of up to 85% recycled paper materials
This percentage is higher than nearly any other commonly used building material. Not only that, but most of the paper used for making cellulose insulation comes from recycled newsprint. This is significant because even in this digital age, paper still takes up about 12% of the space in US landfills. Cellulose manufacturing is keeping newsprint out of the landfills and using it for an energy-saving home improvement technology. It’s a win-win situation! Not only that, but the nature of this material and the installation process means that any excess can be recovered and used for other projects. In other words, installation doesn’t generate any additional waste.
3. Cellulose insulation helps reduce carbon emissions
Number one and two highlight the eco-friendliness of cellulose insulation even before it gets to your home. So what happens after it’s installed in your attic? Insulation works by limiting heat transfer. In the summer, that means preventing the hot air from your attic from escaping into your house, and in the winter it keeps the warm air in your house from escaping into your attic. Without insulation, your HVAC system has to work harder, which is bad for the environment and your energy bills. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, air-conditioning use alone accounts for 8% of electricity generated in the US. This is especially relevant in a hot place like Austin, where we rely on air-conditioning for a large chunk of the year.
On a larger scale, some experts believe that retrofitting residential buildings with proper insulation on a national level could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 10 billion tons. That’s equivalent to running 3 million wind turbines for over a year. So once you update your attic insulation, tell your neighbors to do the same.
Getting proper attic insulation is always a good idea for your family’s comfort and budget, and any type of insulation will help save you some money. When you choose cellulose insulation, however, you’re also protecting the future of this beautiful planet we call home.
At Home Insulation ATX we’re proud to offer eco-friendly cellulose insulation to our valued customers. If you have further questions or you’re interested in a free home insulation inspection, please contact us today at 737-301-8148 / admin@homeinsulationatx.com or Click Here to schedule your free inspection.
Sources,
Insulation Industry Opportunity Study
https://www.insulationadvocacy.org/_files/ugd/bb658f_4ede57e9f545427a9610df665e32f1e9.pdf
Insulation Vital to Electrification
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/insulation-electrification-energy-department/649643/
Paper and Paper-Board: Material Specific Data
https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/paper-and-paperboard-material-specific-data
Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Through HVAC
https://callapollo.com/reducing-your-carbon-footprint-through-hvac/
