On Jun 8, 4:42 pm, CJT wrote:
Clark wrote:
" wrote in
roups.com:

hello,
I noticed my ac bills were getting high ($300 per month during
summer). I don't know too much about insulation/home repairs but I
had a feeling insulation wasn't good enough.

I called a local contractor to do inspection of insulation on home and
give me quote for iimproving it.

Turns out the insulation job was poorly done and there isn't enough
insulation up there.

I was told that Icynene insulation was the best. It's a type of foam
that gets sprayed on.
www.icynene.com

This is supposed to be the best. I was told it would cost about $2
per square foot to install it.

Is this a good price? What other methods of insulation are there? I
live in Houston, TX - the summers here are brutal! It's very hot and
humid. I hate it here during summer...I'm happy here during
winters

I want to get the best insulation possible because I don't want to pay
lots of $$$ for electric bills for AC in the house.
I really don't care about cost, I just want to make sure I get a fair
price and the best insulation possible.

Thanks,

Oskar

Attic insulation is probably best purchased on the basis of R value. Bid the
job to several different contractors and on the basis of a specified R value.
Your local utility company probably has a recommended R value for attic
spaces. Look at AC unit efficiency (SEER rating) for the next step in cost
savings.

Even before that, look for leaks in the ductwork.

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wow!
thank you for all the great advice!
I will proceed to check all duct work for leaks, make sure ventilation
is good and get the R value of current setup and proposed setup.
I'll also check with local authorities for what R value is recommended
in these parts. I'm guessing it would be high due to the very hot/
humid weather during summers.
I also know the windows are single pane (lousy quality). I can feel
them leaking when it's cold outside. I put the shades down to help
that a bit.
I also know replacing these windows with dual or triple pane will be
pretty $$$. But it's all money well spent. I prefer to spend money
on the house (possibly increasing value of home) instead of spending
money on energy bills!

Thank you all so much,

Oskar