FAQ

Cellulose – What is cellulose made from?

Cel-Pak is made primarily from over-issue newsprint, along with other high-quality over-issue paper sources, and carefully selected post-consumer newsprint, typically from paper drives. There’s a little more to it than that. The newspaper is first reduced to very small pieces in a machine called a hammermill, pieces just big enough to make out one letter from the original newspaper. In the next step, these tiny pieces are ‘fiberized’, that is, we go through another process that breaks them down to the component fibers of the original tree from which the newsprint was made. At this point, there’s no resemblance to the original newspaper. Then a borate, a naturally occurring mineral, is added for fire, mold and pest control. Lastly, there is a tiny amount of mineral oil added, for dust control. The product is then bagged in 25 lb. bags.

Won’t cellulose make my house more likely to burn down if I have a fire?

No, in fact just the opposite. The borate (a naturally occurring mineral) added to the cellulose fiber ensures that cellulose insulation won’t support combustion. In fact, here’s a picture of what happens when cellulose is exposed to flame, in this case from a torch.

The very top layer of the insulation chars instantly, and that char protects everything underneath it, including the hands of our initially reluctant designer, John, who ‘volunteered’ for this picture at the photo shoot. (There is no trick involved in the photo, but we do not recommend you try this at home. And you should never, under any circumstance, try this with fiberglass or foam based insulations – you’ll get badly burnt.)
The simple fact of the matter is that cellulose will perform better and provide better protection in the event of a fire than any other type of insulation.

Will Cellulose reduce noise?

Yes, cellulose Insulation is effective in helping create a quieter home environment. This is especially true for airborne sound that is generated by traffic noise, airplanes, radios, televisions, and conversation. The sound control quality of cellulose Insulation is due to its density—approximately two to three times greater than similar fiber glass products—and its ability to fill any cavity into which it is properly installed. Cellulose Insulation fills voids and gaps that allow for sound transmission. Where air goes, sound follows.

Does spray foam have an odor?

We recommend that the homeowner is not present while we are applying the foam. We use fresh air systems that help ventilate while we are spraying. The odor will usually last a couple of hours before the house is back to normal.

Is spray foam “green?”

ALL spray foam insulation and roofing products are comprised of two components, an “A” Component or Isocyanate and a “B” Component. The “B” Component is our “cookie dough.” The specialized chemistry that formulates the “B” Component differentiates one foam system from another.

Some “B” Components have a small percentage of sucrose based polyols and some have soy. Even more important than the percentage of biobase materials in the “B” Component, is that spray foam insulation and roofing materials, when properly installed, contribute to sustainable buildings and energy conservation.

In 2004, 40% of all U.S. total emissions of greenhouse gases were from electricity generation, and 35% of this was from residential use. By utilizing technology and products that reduce energy consumption we take an active role in helping reduce greenhouse gases, thus slowing the effects of global warming

What is a Comprehensive Home Assessment?

The Comprehensive Home Assessment (CHA) is an all-inclusive house inspection conducted by a professionally training building scientist. The process will evaluate home safety, comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.
The first phase consists of New York Energy Conservation Co. taking inventory of, and reporting on, the current conditions in your home, including the following:
• Health and safety (Carbon Monoxide levels / moisture problems)
• Air infiltration rates
• Insulations Levels
• Domestic hot water system efficiency
• Heating system efficiency
• Cooling system / central air conditioning efficiency – if applicable
• Distribution system (ductwork) condition – if applicable
• Lighting
• Major Appliances

The second phase consists of New York Energy Conservation Co. using the results from the CHA to develop a work scope for proposed improvements, including a cost and energy savings estimate.
You are encouraged to accompany the technician as they perform the CHA. Let the technician know about any issues or concerns you have about your home (drafts, uneven temperatures, discomfort, evidence of moisture or mold, strange smells, even physical symptoms such as persistent headaches or flue-like symptoms).

What diagnostic tools are used to assess my home’s performance and safety?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Analyzer: Important health and safety tool to determine if the major combustion appliances (furnace, boiler, hot water heater and stove) in your home operate safely

Blower Door: Measures the air tightness of a home and aids in identifying areas where air leakage is occurring
Gas Leak Detector: Checks for any leaks in natural gas lines that are safety hazards
Duct Blaster: Measures how “leaky” the ductwork is in a home (This tool would only be used in a home that has forced hot air heating system and/or central air conditioning)

What is Home Performance with Energy Star®?

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® features “whole house” solutions to help you increase the comfort, safety, and durability of your home while reducing your energy costs. A local Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® sponsor is responsible for ensuring that participating contractors maintain high standards for quality. This includes specialized training for contractors and conducting quality assurance inspections to verify that projects are completed correctly.
Click here to learn more.

What is R-Value?

An R-value indicates insulation’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. It is important to maintain high R-value in your homes attic, basement, and walls to reducing heating and cooling costs.

Are incentives available for implementing energy saving measures?

Yes. Various low-interest financing options and incentives are available through participating home performance contractors. There is also a federal tax credit for implementing energy saving measures. New York Energy Conservation Co., Inc will help you make energy efficiency improvements more affordable.
Click here to learn more.