Posted by Damien Cabral on Mon, Sep 28, 2009
Everyone has a broad idea of what insulation is and why we install it in our homes. However, most people have only scratched the surface when it comes to the amount of information needed to choose the right insulation for your home. There are several different types of insulation, different r-values (we will go over this), different applications and many other factors to research before making a purchase. Because this subject is so important to our homeowners here in the Northeast (as we all know it can get cold and heating fuel costs a lot!), we will be discussing insulation in-depth and over several blog articles.
Insulation is a material that reduces heat transfer between zones. Many homes already have a layer of insulation, however, they may be under insulated causing more than 40% of the home's heat to escape.
R-Value
Insulation is measured by the "R-value"; the higher the R-value, the better, its ability to resist the flow of heat. R-values are computed by figuring out the number of fibers per square inch and the thickness of the insulation.
Many homes in the northeast currently have an R-value of R19 installed (6"). According to the latest industry standards, homes in this area should have a minimum of R49(18") to R60(22") installed to match our harsh New England climate.
Types of Insulation
Consumers have more choices than ever among the different types of insulation on the market. We will list some choices briefly but will go more in depth between the advantages of each in a future post.
Fiberglass Insulation - Fiberglass insulation is made of sand, glass, and other 
recycled products woven together to create a "glass wool." Fiberglass insulation can be installed in roll out layers or blown in by a professional. Most people think of fiberglass insulation when insulation is referenced (Owens Corning and the Pink Panther). Fiberglass insulation has many benefits including instant energy savings, it will not settle, will not absorb moisture, is generally mess free, and resistant to high temperatures.
Cellulose Insulation - Cellulose insulation can be made from newspaper, cardboard, cotton, as well as other materials. Cellulose can be blown in dry or sprayed in wet. This type of insulation has several advantages including instant energy savings, sound reduction, and it is often viewed as a green option given it is made from recycled newspaper.
Other Green Insulation Options - Several new types of niche market products are making their way onto the insulation scene. Some of these options include Recycled Jeans Insulation, Cotton, Sheep's Wool, and even Hemp. While these new insulation types are interesting, we strongly suggest to consumers that they investigate several factors before they purchase these unproven insulation products. Questions to ask include: Are they fire retardant? How much do you need to purchase to achieve the desired R-Value? and Will the product absorb moisture? 
Be sure to check back soon for our next installment on insulation.
P.S. The government is offering up to a $1500 tax credit to homeowners who install insulation this year!
Posted by Damien Cabral on Mon, Sep 21, 2009
Updated: Moonworks has written our own Home Improvement Tax Credits Explained Guide. Download for Free Here.
Recently Al Heavens of the Inquirer Real Estate, wrote a great short guide to home
improvement tax credits. The article reminds homeowners that the tax credits in the ARRA or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are temporary. Some of the credits qualify homeowners for significant savings but the certain guidelines for each product must be met. Al Heavens article does an excellent job in breaking down some of these requirements.
A few excerpts:
"... until Dec. 31, 2010, homeowners can take advantage of a national tax credit of 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500, on a variety of energy-saving products. Insulation, windows and doors, roofing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, tankless water heaters and alternative energy programs, such as solar panels and wind turbines, are covered."
"Here comes the sun: Then there is the Residential Energy-Efficient Property Credit, or Section 1122, of the Recovery Act. This is a nonrefundable energy tax credit designed to help individual taxpayers pay for qualified residential alternative energy equipment, such as solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, and wind turbines."
Moonoworks supplies New England homeowners with several of these qualifying products including: energy efficient Renewal by Andersen windows and doors, cool roofing technologies, Repower Home solar hot water systems, and Ownes Corning blow-in insulation.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Mon, Sep 14, 2009
Unfortunately with the start of NFL football also comes the cold weather. Which makes it the perfect time to invest in Renewal by Andersen windows…
This is usually how I would start a blog, but I am going to take a short break from being a home improvement source of information. Recently, I stumbled upon a hilarious Star Wars rendition of Window Replacement. Any true Star Wars fan will be sure to enjoy this Star Wars Window Replacement blog article, especially if you are a homeowner. Below is a small excerpt from great piece of writing. Enjoy.
"Yoda
Ever the independent swamp hermit, Yoda started his own DIY project to replace the windows he carelessly back flipped through as a very young Yoda. The result of his handiwork is nothing short of a masterpiece. Did you expect anything less? Judge him by his size, do you? The shatterproof bay windows now reinforced do wonders to open up the room. When asked why he refused to consult with installation professionals, he replied, “Yoda I am, replace I will.” There was still one lingering question –why he decided to repair only the windows and not the disgusting nature of the rest of his home. Yoda quickly retorted with, “Mudhole? Slimy? My home this is!” Luckily for us, Yoda is not easily offended…the force is still with us."
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Sep 10, 2009
I have to say - I am learning a ton of information now that I am working in the home improvement field (traditionally I worked in finance). My front door was the last part of my home that I would have considered replacing, until I looked deeper into the product.
You are probably thinking, "My front door is fine." - Is it? Replacing your entry door may be the next home improvement that makes the most sense for you. Some entry doors, like those from Provia Door, help you save money on your energy bill (especially handy in the Northeast). Many doors qualify for the Energy Star program, which could qualify you for a tax credit from the government. Additionally, replacing your entry door could improve the safety of your home and will definitely increase your home's curb appeal.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Tue, Sep 08, 2009
While many places around the world are working on renewable energy development, Rhode Island still is in the works of growing its activity in the green energy and green technology sectors. By investing in renewable energy, Rhode Island can not only create jobs and spur economic development, they can also develop new and innovative technology, reduce the dependence on foreign oil and address environmental concerns and provide energy security for the state. Rhode Island has an opportunity to more fully leverage its coastal location, natural resources such as wind, water and sun and all other renewable sources.
State officials have prepared a proposal for spending $58 million in energy stimulus money and have drafted a state energy plan that envisions keeping more of that money in state by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy! This plan, which totals in at twenty three pages, hopes to boost the employment rate and increase energy cost savings. The new energy plan calls for transforming the state's economy where the areas of science and technology become major players. It also calls for increasing energy efficiency statewide to 25 percent above 1990 levels, by 2012. Rhode Island has been in the process of working on different energy issues, including participating in the regional greenhouse gas initiative, mandating that new state buildings comply with "green" standards and supporting a major offshore wind project.
If plans go correctly, Rhode Island will definitely make its mark in renewable energy within the United States!
Posted by Damien Cabral on Tue, Sep 01, 2009
Who wouldn't want to be! Currently, Moonworks is running a sweepstakes where you could win a $10,000.00 Solar Hot Water System!
Although prices seem to be rising everywhere around us, we are able to catch some breaks every now and then! One of these breaks comes by simply changing from a conventional water heater to a solar-powered water heater. Not only are you helping save the environment - you're helping to save yourself money!
Solar thermal energy is practical and economical. All over the United States people are incorporating solar into their electricity and heating systems. But, why? One main reason is that the systems are saving them large amounts on their monthly bills, and on top of that there are many different financial incentives. People are still able to heat water for their homes while their bill is drastically lowered.
Not only is renewable energy good for your wallet, it is also extremely beneficial in the protection of our earth! Although many people believe that the future of our world isn't so bad, it truly is. Global warming is intensified by green house gases, and smog is caused by fossil fuels. If we could eliminate the amount of toxins that are given off on a day-to-day basis by simply adding a solar system to your home, wouldn't you want to?
All the solar power you use is free after the initial purchase cost of your solar system. Many years down the road, the solar energy you are collecting at your own home will still be free, and meanwhile the prices for fossil fuels will continue to rise higher and higher.
Check out our sweepstakes today, and go solar!