insulating. ENERY STAR



Did You Know…The Residential Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate Program offers property owners and managers incentives on a broad list of energy efficiency improvements in lighting, HVAC, insulation and window categories. These improvements are to be used to retrofit existing multifamily properties of two or more units.

How It Works
The rebate application for this program will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Program is effective until December 31, 2011, or until funding is exhausted, or until the program is suspended by the California Public Utilities Commission, whichever occurs first. This program may be modified or terminated without prior notice.

Please call (800) 736-4777 for additional program information and details.

Under California law, models of certain types of appliances, for example, refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers etc., must be certified to the California Energy Commission before being sold or offered for sale in the state. The Energy Commission maintains a database of those appliances, found at the following link: http://www.appliances.energy.ca.gov. Before purchasing this type of appliance, please consult the Energy Commission’s database to see if the particular model of the appliance you want to buy is in the database. Not all products listed in this database are eligible for utility rebates as they do not all meet the higher energy performance requirements of the utility programs. Please refer to Southern California Edison rebate applications to find energy saving products eligible for rebate.

One Simple Survey. Lots Of Serious Savings.
This 15-minute survey puts the power back in your hands by giving you helpful energy-saving tips that will also help the environment. Since the questions are about your household energy usage, the tips are tailored especially for you to maximize your savings. And the less energy you use, the better it is for the environment.

Excerpt from Southern California Edison
https://websafe.kemainc.com/scescg/gatewaysce.asp


Video by: New Owens Corning EcoTouch™ PINK™ FIBERGLAS® Insulation with PureFiber™ Technolgy helps you save money and energy while helping save the planet. Using sustainable manufacturing processes this new EcoTouch™ PINK™ FIBERGLAS® Insulation is made with natural* materials and a formaldehyde-free formulation delivering peace of mind. And it has a minimum of 70%** recycled content, the highest in the industry. – http://insulation.owenscorning.ca/ecotouch/ Excerpt from YouTube

Tips from Energy Star: Below Excerpt From:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_getting_started

Sealing and Insulating are often the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient — and you can do it yourself with guidance from ENERGY STAR.

Attic air sealing and adding insulation are do-it-yourself projects if your attic is accessible and not too difficult to move around in. The projects recommended in this guide can usually be completed in a day or two and will provide benefits for years to come. If upon inspection of your attic you find any of the conditions listed to the left, we recommend you consider hiring a contractor to correct these problems before proceeding.

Wet or damp insulation indicating a leaky roof
Moldy or rotted attic rafters or floor joists indicating moisture problems
Kitchen, bathroom, and clothes dryer vents that exhaust moist air directly into the attic space instead of outdoors
A history of ice dams in the winter (an indication of serious air leaks)
Little or no attic ventilation
Knob and tube wiring (pre-1930), which can be a fire hazard when in contact with insulation
If you have many unsealed and uninsulated recessed “can” lights, special care must be taken when insulating around these fixtures

Have a Plan in Place
The key to any successful home improvement project is adequate planning. Gather all your tools and supplies before you begin to minimize trips in and out of the attic. Be sure that the work area is well-lit by using a drop light, and keep a flashlight handy.

Prepare to Get Dirty
The entire process of sealing your attic will be made easier if you take the time and effort to wear the right gear. Wear knee pads to help prevent pain associated with crawling on attic joists. Additionally, a lightweight disposable coverall, gloves, and hat can keep itchy and irritating insulation off your skin.

Above All — Be Safe
Take precautions to avoid a dangerous working environment in the attic. During hot weather start working early, as attics heat up as the day moves on. Drink plenty of water and use an OSHA-approved particulate respirator or double-strap dust mask to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. Also remember to watch your step. Walk on joists or truss chords, not exposed ceiling drywall or insulation. In addition, watch out for sharp nails sticking through the roof deck!

Materials Checklist for Sealing Attic Air Leaks
Batt or roll of unfaced fiberglass insulation and large garbage bags (for stuffing open stud cavities behind kneewalls and in dropped soffits)
Roll of reflective foil insulation or other blocking material such as drywall or pieces of rigid foam insulation to cover soffits, open walls, and larger holes
Silicone or acrylic latex caulk & caulk gun for sealing small holes (1/4 inch or less)
Several cans of expanding spray foam insulation for filling larger gaps (1/4 inch to 3 inches) Special high-temperature (heat-resistant) caulk to seal around flues and chimneys
Roll of 14-inch wide aluminum flashing to keep insulation away from the flue pipe
Retractable utility knife and sheet metal scissors
Tape measure and staple gun (or hammer and nails) to hold covering materials in place
Safety glasses, gloves, and dust mask (for insulation work as well)
Flashlight or portable safety light
Boards to walk on, if needed
Large bucket to haul materials