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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Insulate On Saturday, Watch Football On Sunday

You’ve been putting it off for the past 6 months 18 months and its quickly becoming the only noticeable project on the ‘honey do’ list.

It’s time to insulate.

I know what you’re thinking…getting under the crawlspace is such a pain, you have to borrow some tools from your brother-in-law, and sleeping in is much more appealing.  While I can relate to you, I do know the payoff for adding insulation has huge perks.

And to motivate you, here’s my Top 5 Reasons You Should Insulate This Weekend:
  • First, the temperatures are perfect to be up in the attic and crawl space (better than being in the attic during the dog days of August or the crawl space in February).  
  • Second, it’s going to save you money and make your home much more comfortable during the cold winter months and hot summer months. 
  • Third, if you do it now, you won’t have to do it again next summer, or next winter, or the following summer, you get my drift. 
  • Forth, you can get a federal tax credit (10% of the cost, up to $500). 
  • And Fifth, if you insulate on Saturday, you have a free pass to watch football all day Sunday!
Now that you’re on board for insulation the house on Saturday…where do you start?

Well it can be a bit overwhelming, but nothing that you (the local Weekend Warrior) can’t tackle.  From soup to nuts, all the information you need on how to insulate can be found here: A DO-IT-YOURSELF GUIDE TO SEALING AND INSULATING WITH ENERGY STAR.  Guess the title says it all.

Also, you will need to determine the levels of insulation you need.  Again, Energy Star is our go to source for information.  For us Virginia residents, you’re in Zone 2.  That means you need R30-R60 for an uninsulated attic, R25-R38 for areas with 3-4 inches of existing insulation, and R13-R19 for the floor.

And lastly, make sure you wear some appropriate long sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, glasses, and an air mask if needed.  Safety is key.

Have fun insulating (it’s not that bad!) and enjoy lounging on the couch watching some football on Sunday.

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