Trio of speakers to discuss energy-efficient homes

Three local businessmen will address the topic of energy-efficient homes during the Home Builders Association's Remodeling Show, Sept. 22-24 at the University Plaza Trade Center.

Adding attic insulation, bringing insulation up to standard and using foam insulation are just a few of their suggestions to ready homes for low temperatures and high gas prices this winter.

Energy efficiency

Doug Brandt is the sales manager for Bolivar Insulation, 2050 E. Trafficway. His company adds insulation and handles exterior upgrades including siding, gutters and windows.

"We specialize in energy-efficient products and low-maintenance products," he said.

Brandt said the focus of his seminar, "How To Make Your Home Energy-Efficient," is on making good purchasing decisions.

This includes choosing siding and windows, as well as picking a contractor. Brandt's seminar begins at 5 p.m. Sept. 23.

According to Brandt, the best way to reduce energy costs is to add attic insulation and to bring the insulation that's already in a home up to the standard, which is R-38.

"R-38 is what the model energy code recommends," he said. "If it's under R-38, it needs to be brought up to that level."

Brandt added that replacing drafty windows also can increase the energy efficiency in the home.

"It increases energy efficiency by keeping the cold air out," he said.

Foam insulation

Ken Hurley, owner of Precision Foam Insulators, 2712 S. Jonathan, will speak at the Remodeling Show with Dave Lall, vice president of Demilac, the manufacturer of the foam insulation used at Hurley's company.

While his firm has only been open in Springfield for four months, Hurley has been involved with the insulation product he uses, Sealection 500, for five years.

Hurley said the foam is used in crawl spaces, ceilings and exterior walls in lieu of fiberglass and cellulose.

"Using the foam can cut your utility bills in half," he said. "It air-seals 37 times more effectively than fiberglass insulation. While the insulation I sell is the most expensive you can buy, it's the cheapest to own because it can reduce your utility bills by half."

He added that it's the only insulation that's been approved by the American Lung Association.

"It's good for people with asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems," Hurley said. "There's no formaldehyde in the product, so it gives you better air quality."

Hurley said that using the foam insulation can increase a borrower's chances of obtaining an energy-efficient mortgage. "There are lending institutions who recognize that people can pay only so much money a month towards their mortgage," he said. "But when some lenders realize you're going to be using foam insulation in your home, they'll let you borrow more money without having more income."

Hurley will speak at three seminars during the Remodeling Show. At 7 p.m. Sept. 22 the topic is "How To Insulate An Energy Efficient Home."

At 1 p.m. Sept. 23 the seminar topic will be "Foam Insulation: Cut Your Utility Bills In Half." Hurley said he will discuss why spray foam is higher quality and outperforms fiberglass and cellulose.

At 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24 Hurley will speak on "Insulation & A Healthy Home They Really Do Go Together."

"I'll talk about indoor air quality and how people with asthma and other respiratory problems can live a healthier lifestyle," he said.

"I'll also talk about continuous controlled ventilation. Energy recovery and heat recovery ventilators improve indoor air quality and remove the humidity that's in the air."

Using SIPS

Dennis Culpen, owner of DC Construction in Clever, will speak at 1 p.m. Sept. 23 and 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24 on "Remodeling with SIPS."

SIPS, or structural insulated panel systems, "have twice the R factor and are twice as strong as a normal stick frame construction," Culpen said. "The roofs can stand up to 200 mph wind loads when most roofs can only stand up to 120 mph. Using SIPS can save the homeowner up to 75 percent on heating and air conditioning compared to a home that doesn't use SIPS."

SIPS are made so that the layers are laminated and fire retardant, Culpen said. "It's one of the strongest, most efficient systems on the building market today," he said. "The systems have a lifetime guarantee that they won't come apart."

According to Culpen, SIPS can be adapted to any type of construction, including homes, warehouses and commercial buildings.