Spray Foam Question

[joemd11]

Tim,
Do you know of anyone in the area that can do an energy audit. I also have a Cape Cod style house built in the 50's. It is brick and probably doesn't have any insulation in the walls. The house is all electric and I keep getting letters from Penn Power saying we are using like 3 X's the energy of comparable houses in the area.

Joe

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[timswi]

I get the same letters from Duquesne Light...I'm all electric/heatpump save the game room pellet stove (no other utilities available and I didn't want fuel trucked in given the right of way I live on) . Not aware of anyone who does energy audits although they are probably around. Don't really know what they can do for me--suggestions?

BTW--I general contracted the house circa 2001 so it's insulated well as far as it goes.

 

[joemd11]

I want to get an audit done to my house to see where/if I need more insulation. The "attic" has faced insulation in it but I don't think my walls are insulated at all. I would like to find out if it is worth drilling holes in the brick exterior and pumping in foam insulation. I think my house is about 1700 sqr feet and my highest electric bill in the winter is $350-$400 for the coldest month. Not a problem now but if electric rates spike......

Joe

 

[Dutch445]

We have the same problem, but our house was stick built and the room in question is the master bedroom...

Aaron Z

i have been asked to move our master bedroom upstairs, complete with en suite bath, whirlpool tub, the works.
i'm happy with our little bedroom down stairs, and heck for some reason i'm NOT getting any younger!!

 

[timswi]

I want to get an audit done to my house to see where/if I need more insulation. The "attic" has faced insulation in it but I don't think my walls are insulated at all. I would like to find out if it is worth drilling holes in the brick exterior and pumping in foam insulation. I think my house is about 1700 sqr feet and my highest electric bill in the winter is $350-$400 for the coldest month. Not a problem now but if electric rates spike......

Joe

My bill is $350 year around...Although after discussing my dismay with that price with others, I found I'm really no worse for wear..I have no Gas, Water, Sewage, HOA etc costs so it kinda evens out (I think)..My property taxes are absolutely draconian though.

Wouldn't be easier to shoot cellulose or something in through the drywall instead of messing up the brick?

I'd find a known insulated wall and use a laser temp finder to compare the inside temps, a start anyway.

 

[dave1949]

There have been moisture collection problems with shooting cellulose into walls that have no warm side vapor barrier, as is usually the case. It was a really popular insulating approach for several years but I think the current advice is don't do it in cold climates.

If the house is worth it (in a real estate value sense), and you plan to remain in it for 5-10 years, the best way would be to redo the interior side of the exterior walls. Take off the drywall, maybe shim the walls out if you need the added thickness, insulate, then put in new interior wall coverings.

 

[joemd11]

Thanks for all the info guys! I'll do some more research before making any decisions. My house may not be the most energy efficient, but it isn't like trying to heat/cool a corn crib either.

 

[scott_vt]

i have been asked to move our master bedroom upstairs, complete with en suite bath, whirlpool tub, the works.
i'm happy with our little bedroom down stairs, and heck for some reason i'm NOT getting any younger!!

Good Morning Dutch,
Yep, I am with you on that front, stairs are OK now but happens down the road !

You could be making a nice master bedroom for someone else !