Custom Insulation Blog

Homeowners concerned about high energy bills have put energy conservation home improvements at the top of their must-do list this year. They are looking for green living upgrades that save money without sacrificing space or style.

Because heating costs are typically one of the highest and most variable home expenses, homeowners are considering energy-efficient zone heating options when embarking on home renovation projects.

Overall we have seen an increase in fireplace makeovers in the last few years. Finding and eliminating wasteful drafts and more efficient heating solutions has lead homeowners to install efficient pellet stoves and wood burning inserts that transform inefficient open fireplaces into high performing heating zones.

Wood burning fireplace inserts and pellet stoves are excellent zone heating options for those in the process of building or renovating a new home and who are looking to outfit their homes with advanced heating technology.

Buying an insert or stove is much like buying furniture, you will find a wide-choice of models that match every lifestyle and design. While evaluating the right size, heating capacity and look of your future stove or insert, also consider these three eco-wise tips:

1. Only evaluate pellet stoves that meet or exceed EPA standards and are currently tax credit qualified.
2. Look for an eco-friendly seal and a recycled ingredients label that lists the many ways that a manufacturer has gone the extra mile to produce the highest quality and most energy efficient wood stove, possible.

Architects, builders, and homeowners are trying more and more to reduce their impact on the environment, which shows in the increasing use of environmentally friendly materials. More and more architects and home owners with the environment in mind are turning to copper gutters.

Copper is not the only metal which can be used for gutters: aluminum and PVC can also be used. But copper is the best choice for gutters. The arguments for copper being the gutter material of choice are based on the fact that copper is one of a handful of materials that are considered to be fully sustainable. Only 12% of known copper reserves have ever been mined and most of what has been mined is still in use. Also, it is estimated that 55% of all the copper in use for architectural purposes is recycled.

Copper gutters have durability and longevity with a lifespan of at least 100 years. Therefore, over the lifespan of your home, there is no need to replace the gutters. This contributes to a reduction in demand for production of PVC gutters which is a process that damages the environment.

But maybe the environmental argument doesn’t stop you from thinking of the cost of copper gutters.  On average, cast iron, aluminum and PVC cannot beat copper in price versus durability. There are two more advantages to copper gutters:  it is maintenance free and copper is an algaecide and fungicide. It kills one of the biggest contributors to gutter blockage: moss. So pick any reason for copper gutters; they're environmentally friendly, they make great financial sense, they're durable and, best of all, they're attractive.