Fiberglass Batt Insulation When you think insulation, you probably think of fiberglass. Known for being fluffy, pink, (though it also comes in yellow, green, and white) and itchy, it’s been the main insulation used in homes for decades. It is a man-made, naturally sound-absorbent material and is typically the least expensive insulation option. And it might surprise you to learn
How Much Can Green Energy Applications Actually Save Homeowners?
When it comes to green home building, homeowners have a lot of uncertainty. We’re all told about the benefits of green homeownership, but do they really pay off? Which home investments are worth the added price tag? Which should you invest in if you already own your home? If you don’t take advantage of green home solutions, are you spending
Controlling and Preventing Spring Mold Growth in Your Home
Spring is the season of new growth. The grass is growing again, flowers a jetting out of the ground, and trees are budding. In Minnesota, this also means the last of the snow is melting (or still falling, depending on the day) and ice-covered lakes and rivers are exposed again. All this extra moisture has the opportunity to grow more
Six Tips to Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the air in your home is determined by a few factors–mainly your home’s HVAC system. All indoor air has the opportunity to become polluted–especially this time of year when mold growth is rampant and allergens are on the move. You might notice low indoor air quality through strange smells, a heavier than normal feeling, or worst of
How does retrofitting save you money?
At the beginning of a new year, it’s time to look at your finances and see whenever you can slim down a few areas of your budget. Is your energy bill astronomical? Turns out, you’re not out of luck. You can easily solve your money troubles pertaining to your heating bill by simply retrofitting your home. Here’s exactly how taking
Hey homeowners, here’s how to gear up for Minneapolis’ new energy initiative
As a new decade is ushered in, Minneapolis continues to fight to decrease its carbon footprint. This year, the city is requiring homeowners to be transparent about their home’s energy efficiency. This new push will require more reporting for homeowners to compile a home energy report for potential buyers. This is just one of the several initiatives that Minneapolis has
Why there’s only one cure for ice dams: the winter problem you can’t slap a bandage on
Icicles forming on the eaves of your home may seem like a festive element of the winter wonderland that surrounds you. Unfortunately, icicles forming can be a red flag that a larger problem lies up on your housetop. What are ice dams? Ice dams form through the stack effect, or when hot air from the interior of your home
Is it worth soundproofing your home? 3 reasons why it could improve your holiday season
“’ Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Are you picturing a quiet and quaint holiday with your family? Well, your plans could be ruined if you are not living in a soundproof home. Here are the top three reasons why you should soundproof your home this Christmas
Why your foundation might be the culprit of your low energy grade
Low energy grades are must-fix in your home. Low energy grades often lead to higher energy bills and overall, a home that is often too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. The major culprits in low energy grade audits are the foundation and basement of your home. According to research conducted by the University of Minnesota,
Blower door testing: What is it and why it’s now required for new builds
Identifying where air leaks are inside your building is a bit of detective work. New on the insulation market scene is blower door testing, which has now become a mandatory test in Minnesota’s building code. Blower door testing has transformed energy audits on buildings, new and old, by pinpointing exact areas that are not airtight. What is blower door