Insulate Your Home: Tips from a Pro, September's Sustainable Living Talk

Our next sustainable living talk is "Insulate Your Home: Tips from a Pro," featuring Gerard Gagnon, of Ace Insulation, on Thursday, September 11, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The talk is free and open to the public.

According to the Harvard University School of Public Health, 65 percent of homes in the United States are under-insulated. Because a typical house releases almost twice as much air pollution annually as a typical car, adding insulating doesn't just reduce energy bills, it also improves air quality and combats global climate change. The most important area to insulate properly is the attic; the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 40 percent of all air leaks in the average home are in the attic.

Gagnon's talk will explain the basics of insulation for people interested in reducing their home heating costs and environmental impact. Attendees will learn how much insulating costs, how much insulation is recommended in ceilings and walls, which types of insulation are available and where they are most appropriate, and how much energy can be saved. The talk will also cover common pitfalls, and recommend cost-effective strategies whether insulating a structure yourself or hiring a contractor.

Gerard Gagnon is the owner of Ace Insulation, specializing in cellulose insulation since 1995. Cellulose insulation, made from recycled paper combined with a borate fire retardant and insecticide, is suitable for both new construction and retro-fit applications. Properly installed, cellulose insulation can reduce air leakage 50% compared to an uninsulated home.

This talk is part of the F.W. Horch series on sustainable living. Each monthly talk is held on the second Thursday of the month at the F.W. Horch Sustainable Goods & Supplies store, 56 Maine Street, Brunswick. Space is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to call the store at 729-4050 to reserve a seat.