Double Pane Windows: Are They Worth It?

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

So, you're thinking of replacing your old single pane windows with new replacement double pane energy efficient ones. That's great!  Replacement windows can keep your home cooler, quieter, more hypo-allergenic, and save you money on energy bills. They are a wonderful investment.

Not only do double pane windows block noise, and keep that awful heat out of your home, but they will also keep pollen, dirt, and dust out . Pollen levels in our area can reach record highs and old, leaky, single pane windows allow microscopic particles into your home to settle on surfaces. Replacing your windows with vinyl double pane windows will help alleviate allergy problems along with keeping your home cleaner.

Energy loss from windows account for almost 25% of the heating and cooling costs for the average American family according to the Department of Energy. By installing energy efficient, double pane windows you can drastically reduce that number. A clear glass, double pane vinyl framed window can reduce energy usage 18-24% depending on the time of year and the climate! Using less energy also means that you're burning less fossil fuel and creating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Purchasing a cheap window because the price sounds great could be a major negative. If the window is made improperly, has seals that fail, or with improperly spaced glass, your energy efficiency will not be what you expect and you may end up with leaky windows and more money spent on repairs. So be sure you choose a company that installs quality windows and offers  warranties.

Attic Innovations      

936-442-8926   atticinnovations@gmail.com - www.atticinnovations.com

What Is Energy Efficiency?

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

What is energy efficiency? Energy efficiency means using less energy while providing or using the same service. There are other meanings but for our purposes this is the best one. 

Examples of energy efficiency include replacing single pane windows with energy efficient double pane windows. The new windows prevent the heat in your home from escaping in the Winter and keep the cool air from escaping in the Summer. Because of this the A/C runs less and saves energy. Another example is when you replace an appliance, like a refrigerator or washing machine with a new energy efficiency model. The new model provides the same service but uses less water and electricity. Therefore these new models have created energy efficiency.

Installing insulation keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Insulation performance is measured by R-value.  A high R-value means more insulation power.  Depending on the the place of installation, the R-value recommendation will differ. For the biggest energy saving, add insulation in the attic. If you look across your attic floor and your insulation is level or below floor joists, you definitely need more insulation. But just because you insulation covers the floor joists doesn't mean you don't need anymore. The recommended level for most attics is R-38, around 12-15 inches. Although in very cold climates R-49 is recommended.

If you have any questions or to have a free energy analysis on your home, give us a call. We can help make your home more energy efficient with insulation, radiant barrier, windows, attic ventilation, and even roofing. Only a energy audit will be able to tell you exactly what you need to help in your home. 

Attic Innovations

936-442-8926 - atticinnovations@gmail.com - www.atticinnovations.com

Complete Energy Efficiency: How It All Works Together

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Well, good morning all. Today we are talking about complete energy efficiency, or complete home insulation systems. I'm sure most of you have heard about Insulation, Radiant Barrier, Ridge Vents, and Attic Fans. But you may not know exactly what they are, what they do, and how they work together.

On their own, each product is great, but to get the best value out of these products, some homes need more than one or all of them. So today we will talk about how they all work together to make your home more energy efficient and more comfortable. First I will break down what each item is and how it works and then move in to putting them together.

Insulation: Insulation is a product that reduces heat loss or gain by separating areas that very in temperature such as separating the temperatures in your attic and home.  Insulation works by blocking heat or cold, just like when you wear a sweater and a jacket in the winter to keep the warmth in your body from escaping.

Radiant Barrier: Radiant Barrier works by reflecting the radiant heat created by the Sun. This heat will hit your roof and, without radiant barrier, will penetrate your attic making it unbearably hot. When radiant barrier is in place, up to 85% of this heat is reflected back into the atmosphere before it can penetrate your attic, keeping your attic and A/C components cooler to begin with. Think of the windshield cover you put in your car to reflect the sun while your car is parked at the mall.

Attic Fans: Attic fans come in the powered or solar varieties. The work by circulating the air in your attic to help keep it cool. Attic fans work best with ridge vents and soffit vents.

Ridge Vents and Soffit Vents: Ridge vents are placed on the top peaks of  your roof and allow hot air to escape. Since hot air rises, excess heat naturally will travel upward toward the ridge vents and escape. Soffit vents are install on the underside edges of your roof and allow air that is circulated by your attic fans to be pushed out of your attic. Think of a getting in your hot car and rolling down the windows to allow the heat to escape.

So, how do these products work together? Well, here you go:

Radiant barrier initially blocks up to 85% of the radiant heat entering your attic keeping your A/C systems cooler. The attic fans will circulate the heat that IS in your attic. The ridge vents and soffit vents will allow that circulated air to be removed from the attic and insulation will block any heat that is left from excessively heating your home and keeping your A/C running less and energy bills down.

Some homes may not need all items for maximum efficiency. It depends on roof pitch, amount of insulation, etc. But a qualified energy efficiency expert will be able to tell you exactly what you need. Please don't hesitate to call or email if you have any questions. We will be happy to perform a free energy analysis for you and get you on the road to energy efficiency!

Attic Innovations - 936-442-8926 - atticinnovations@gmail.com - www.atticinnovations.com

Radiant Barrier: What Is It, How Does It Work?

The Low Down on Radiant Barrier

By Thomas Decker

Owner, Attic Innovations

Welcome to the Attic Innovations Energy Efficiency Blog. My name is Tom Decker. I am the owner of Attic Innovations in Texas. We specialize in making your home more energy efficient using insulation, radiant barrier, Low E double pane windows, attic ventilation, and even roofs. We service Houston and surrounding areas such as Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Montgomery, Tomball, Magnolia, Katy, Sugarland, and more. 

Today, I wanted to start with radiant barrier. What is it? What does it do? Why is radiant barrier important?
Well, that is what I am going to tell you today. Also, stay tuned to this blog for relevant information on the different products available today to help make your home energy efficient. I will tackle the myths, the truths, and shed some light on the different ways you can achieve energy efficiency and lower electric bills. Let's get started, shall we?

Radiant Barrier

Radiant barrier is installed in your attic to reduce heat gain and also to reduce energy costs. Radiant barrier is highly reflective and reflects radiant heat, so radiant heat is kept out of your attic. Cooler attic equals cooler home. Radiant heat travels in a straight line and heats anything solid that absorbs its energy.

When sunlight hits a roof, it is mainly the sun's radiant heat that makes the roof so hot. Most of this heat travels through the roof to the attic. The heat is then radiated into the attic, including the air ducts and floor. A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfer into the attic by reflecting that heat back out. Think of your car. When you go out on a sunny day and have to park your car in the sun, what do you do? Or what have you thought of doing? Well, most people will put up a reflective shield in their windshield. Why? Because the heat is reflected away from the car, keeping the car cooler.

The same principle applies to your home. When your attic is raging hot, and that attic is sitting right above the rest of your home, possibly housing your A/C unit as well, your home will also become hotter and your A/C will not keep up. Unless you install a radiant barrier to reflect some of that awful heat back out. Radiant barrier is most effective in hot climates especially when air ducts are in the attic. Radiant barrier can drastically reduce cooling costs in warm, sunny climates. But no matter what climate you live in, radiant barrier is most effective with a complete energy efficiency system, including insulation and ventilation, which I will discuss in my next post.

So, now you know you need radiant barrier. But there are many choices out there, how do you choose? Well let me break it down for you:

Radiant Barrier Spray: Radiant barrier spray was designed to reduce your attic temperatures and energy usage while also being eco-friendly when applied.  Not only does it block radiant heat from getting inside it will also radiate up to 85% of heat back into the atmosphere. Radiant barrier spray will also not interfere with electronics and cell service. It truly is a great product.

Radiant Barrier Foil: While radiant barrier foil does its job properly it does have some major cons. First off, it is more expensive as it is harder to install. Secondly, because the foil is thick and in sheets,many times it is difficult to install in your entire attic, so portions of your attic do not get coverage, thus defeating the purpose.. Also, with foil you will have cell phone issues like dropped calls. 

Attic Innovations only uses Heat Bloc Ultra Radiant Barrier Spray which is cost effective, easy to install, will not cause interference with your electronics, and will help keep your home energy efficient while lowering your energy bills. 

I hope this post has been informative. Please don't hesitate to contact me with questions. Visit our site at www.atticinnovations.com   You can also email Attic Innovations HERE or call 936-442-8926