Some welcome the cold weather with open arms, while others dread its return. No matter your seasonal preferences, everyone relies on their home to be a cozy escape from the chilly weather. However, heating your home can drive up your monthly bills and be a large expense each winter. In this blog, we will list ways to lower your heating bill so you can stay cozy while saving money!

Stay Warm & Save Money With These Tips!

Having a warm home should not cost an arm and a leg. Take these six tips into consideration to save money while heating your home!

• Seal Air Leaks
• Insulate Your Home
• Install A Programmable Thermostat
• Utilize Ceiling Fans
• Schedule Heating Maintenance
• Consider Low-E Products

Seal Air Leaks

According to Energy Star, you can save up to 10% on your annual energy bills by sealing air leaks and adding insulation around your home. Air can escape through the smallest cracks in your windows, walls, and doors. Sealing air leaks is an easy and cost effective way to save money in the long run, because it keeps your inside air in and the outside air out. If air is escaping, your heating unit uses more energy to heat your home and drives up utility bills.

Insulate Your Home

According to Energy Star, 9 out of 10 homes in the United States are under-insulated. Insulating spaces such as attics and basements can deliver more comfort and energy savings each season. Low-E offers a quality, multi-purpose insulation choice, which reflects up to 97% of radiant heat and is proven to result in energy savings. Insulation is a smart investment for your home, because it will reduce heat loss, save money, and keep you cozy all winter long!

Install A Programmable Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat will help save energy and money, but may sacrifice your comfort. Programmable and smart thermostats adjust your temperature setting while you are asleep or away, which avoids any discomfort. The home devices operate on a set schedule and can monitor your temperature preferences. According to Energy Star, you can save up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs each year by turning your thermostat down 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. Programmable and smart thermostats can help achieve this goal by altering the temperature during the work day, night time, or both!

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Did you know that ceiling fans have a specific setting for winter months? Ensure your ceiling fan is rotating clockwise in the winter season to help lower heating bills and keep your home comfortable. Ceiling fans rotating in winter mode create an upward draft, which helps relocate warm air trapped near the ceiling. This process helps your heating system warm your home and use less energy. However, be sure to turn ceiling fans off when rooms are vacant to continue saving energy!

Schedule Heating Maintenance

Your heating system works hard behind the scenes to keep your home warm and comfortable. If there is an underlying issue or obstruction, the unit works harder to continue meeting the thermostat setting. Heating maintenance allows a professional to identify any issues and avoid an overworked system, which raises energy bills.

Consider Low-E Products

Each one of Low-E’s quality products can help save you money in the long run. All of our products are designed to improve energy efficiency, increase comfort, and protect against outdoor elements. Low-E has many different options for upgrading your interior insulation and energy efficiency. To start lowering your heating bill and saving money this winter, call us at 800-289-5693 or visit our website to find out which of our products is right for you! Below are a few exterior Low-E products that can also save YOU money!

Low-E Thermasheet®: A stand alone, roofing underlayment that combats heat gain and loss through your roof.

Low-E Housewrap: A stand alone, insulated house wrap to reflect radiant heat and provide a thermal break.

Low-E Slabshield®: Concrete slab insulation that also acts as a radon and vapor barrier.

We are here to help your home save money on heating bills this winter season! To find a Low-E product dealer, visit our website!

Before the winter season, it is important to take precautionary measures to help your home throughout the chilly temperatures. Winterizing your home helps protect it against potential damages and weather, while also benefiting you and your comfort. In this blog, we will discuss steps to winterizing your home and the benefits it can provide.

Why Is It Important To Winterize Your Home?

Winterizing your home help keeps it secure, safe, and comfortable. Without properly preparing your home for the chillier months, common consequences can be:

• Frozen And Burst Pipes
• Snow And Ice Buildup On Roofs
• Ice Dams On Gutters
• Damaged Driveway

Frozen And Burst Pipes. Pipes can freeze due to the water inside expanding as it freezes, and burst due to the increased pressure. This can result in flooding and water damage in your home.

Snow And Ice Buildup On Roofs. Without proper winterization, snow and ice can buildup on your roof. This can cause water leaks or your roof to cave in.

Ice Dams On Gutters. Ice and snow can build up due to clogged gutters, which can weigh on the gutters and cause strain or damage.

Damaged Driveway. Constant ice and snow on your driveway can cause damage such as cracks and chips. Frequently shoveling can also cause the same effects.

Steps To Winterization

Winterizing your home can save stress, time, money, and comfort this winter season. To prevent damage to your home this winter, we recommend taking the following recommended 5 steps to winterize your home:

• Protect Pipes
• Ensure Proper Insulation
• Clean Gutters
• Seal Cracks
• Schedule Heating Maintenance

Protect Pipes

Before the temperatures drop, it is best to insulate your pipes, especially in crawl spaces, attics, and garages. When temperatures are below freezing, let warm water drip overnight and open cabinet doors with pipes inside them. This allows warm water and heat to reach uninsulated pipes.

Ensure Proper Insulation

As warm air rises, it can easily exit through your attic, roof, and cracks if your home is not properly insulated. Results of poor or no insulation can be high energy bills and an uncomfortable home. Low-E Insulation® is an easy to install and flexible insulation choice to keep your home warm and cozy this winter.

Clean Gutters

To prevent ice dams from building up on your gutters, we recommend cleaning out your gutters before the first snow. It is also beneficial to install gutter guards to help keep additional debris out.

Seal Cracks

Warm air can easily escape through cracks in windows and doors, which can drive up utility bills. Caulking and weather stripping your home is an easy and cost effective way to eliminate drafts and heat loss.

Schedule Heating Maintenance

To ensure your heating unit is ready to battle the cold temperatures, it is important to schedule heating maintenance. Your heating unit may have underlying issues and result in an uncomfortable and costly breakdown this winter.

Benefits Of Winterizing Your Home

Although winterizing your home can be tedious, it can save you and other residents from additional stress and discomfort. Winterizing your home can greatly benefit homeowners in more ways than one, such as:

• Energy Savings
• Lower Utility Bills
• Increased Comfort
• Prevent Repairs
• Secure Home From Damages

Products To Help With Winterization

Low-E provides many products to help increase energy efficiency and savings. For winterization precautions, consider using Low-E Insulation.

Low-E Insulation

Low-E Insulation is manufactured using a polyethylene foam core with reinforced double sided aluminum facings and can be easily installed with a razor knife and foil tape. Low-E Insulation provides an excellent vapor barrier and reflects up to 97% of radiant heat. To learn more about Low-E Insulation or to find a dealer, visit our Insulation page!

We are here to help protect your home from weather and potential damages. To stay warm and cozy this winter, consider our 5 winterization tips and Low-E recommended products!

Roofs come in many different types and materials, but they all serve the same purpose – protection. Due to roofing material lasting many years, they can often be brushed under the rug. The status of your roof is something homeowners should always be aware of, because your home is not protected without it. In this blog, we will detail common signs your roof needs to be replaced and how Low-E ThermaSheet® can benefit your home.

Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

Over the years, roofing material wears due to weather. Roof replacement without damage is a preventative service, because it helps ensure bigger problems are avoided. Below are 5 potential signs your roof needs to be replaced.

• Curling Or Cracked Shingles
• Old Or Worn Look
• Granules Or Shingles Missing
• Water Leakage
• High Energy Bills

Curling Or Cracked Shingles

As your roof ages, shingles will naturally start loosening. Curling or cracked shingles can indicate your roof needs replacement, no matter the age of the roof. Curling shingles typically mean your roof has ventilation issues. Cracked shingles are a result of expansion in hot and cold temperatures.

Old Or Worn Look

Do you know the age of your roof? When to replace your roof depends on age, material, and common weather conditions. Below is a general guide of how long roofing materials can last.

• Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
• Wood shingles: 20-25 years
• Metal roofs: 50-75 years

Although an old or work looking roof may not be harming your home, it greatly affects the appearance of your home. Worn looking roofs can also help indicate the age if you are unaware.

Granules Or Shingles Missing

Roofs will lose shingles and granules over time due to wind and other weather conditions. The roofing underlayment is exposed to outside elements and could lead to leakage. Water and debris can collect within the missing parts, so it is best to have your roof inspected if multiple shingles or granules are missing.

Water Leakage

If you are experiencing water damage, especially in your attic, your roof could be to blame. Moisture marks, colored stains, and mold growth/smell are all signs of water leakage. Water leaks can affect your home’s structure and lead to bigger problems if the source is ignored.

High Energy Bills

Heating and cooling your home is the largest portion of your utility bills. Air can easily escape through an old roof and drive up energy usage. Specific factors about your roof can raise or lower energy bills, such as:

• Color. Lighter colored roofs reflect sun rays, while dark colors absorb more heat.
• Material. Material such as metal can reflect sunlight.

If your monthly bills are higher than you’d like, consider air leaking through your roof as the cause. Along with a new roof, adding roofing underlayment, such as Low-E ThermaSheet®, can protect your home from heat gain/loss and keep utility bills low in the future.

Low-E ThermaSheet®

When replacing your roof, we strongly encourage you to consider using Low-E ThermaSheet® as your roofing underlayment. Not only is Low-E ThermaSheet® a durable underlayment but it’s also an insulation! Our patented, 2-in-1 product will help maximize the energy efficiency of your roof, lowering your monthly heating and cooling costs and keeping more money in your wallet!

Benefits Of ThermaSheet®

There are many advantages to installing a versatile roofing underlayment like Low-E ThermaSheet®, such as:

• Lowers Energy Costs
• Provides Thermal Break
• Reduces Air Leaks
• Self Seals Around Fasteners

For more information about Low-E ThermaSheet, visit our informative article detailing additional benefits of the product!

Related Article: Everything You Need To Know About Low-E ThermaSheet®

Your roof is one of the most important pieces of your home’s exterior. Replacing your roof can save time, energy, and money on future problems. Don’t wait until it’s too late, consider these signs your roof needs replacement soon!

Like most things, leaving your home better than you found it can work out in your favor. Whether you are selling your home or not, increasing home value can benefit you in various ways. In this article, we will explain ways to increase your home’s value and make it worth more than you paid for it originally.

Ways To Update Your Home

When in the market to buy a home, many buyers are looking for comfort and convenience. If they have to repair and replace many aspects of the home, it can be seen as unappealing. Although updating appliances and other components can be costly upfront, it will likely pay for itself when home value is increased. Below are specific ways to increase your home’s value and update your home.

• Upgrade Appliances
• Increase Home Efficiency
• Add Fresh Paint
• Give Your Kitchen A New Face
• Finish Your Basement

Upgrade Appliances

New appliances are one of the best additions to increase home value. Many buyers look for Energy Star appliances due to the energy savings they provide for a home. If you are not looking to sell your home, new appliances can be convenient for your use and save money in the long run. Below are 3 appliances you should consider replacing.

• HVAC System
• Refrigerator
• Laundry Units

Increase Home Efficiency

Efficiency is important to home value because it offers lower utility bills and increased comfort. According to ENERGYSTAR, an energy efficient home can save as much as 20% on monthly bills. If your home has air leaks, it can reflect on monthly bills, decrease home comfort, and overwork an HVAC system. Consider adding Low-E Insulation to your attic and/or crawl space. The reflective technology and added R-Value that Low-E provides will help maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Low-E Insulation can also be added to garages, basements, and crawlspaces to increase energy savings. Visit our website to learn more about how Low-E products can help save money and benefit your home!

Related Article: How To Make Your Old Home More Energy Efficient

Add Fresh Paint

A new coat of paint can do wonders for each room in your home. Fresh paint can cover imperfections and give the house a new and improved look. Additionally, be sure to paint over unusual wall colors such as kids bedrooms. Many buyers do not want a bright color room, so we recommend sticking to neutral wall colors.

Give Your Kitchen A New Face

Making your home “move-in ready” means buyers will not have to make any changes before moving in. A kitchen makeover can make a large difference in the home sale price. Consider replacing kitchen appliances with new, matching units. A fresh coat or refurbished cabinets can further increase value and refresh your kitchen.

Finish Your Basement

If your home has an unfinished basement or other space, consider finishing the process to increase value. A heavy duty makeover is not necessary, but putting up drywall and adding carpet or flooring can boost profit. Additionally, consider adding Low-E Insulation® to your basement to make it an enjoyable and comfortable space for new buyers.

Even if you are not selling your home soon, increasing home value is beneficial to your comfort and future. Consider these few ways to give your home a new look and save money each month. For questions about home insulation and efficiency improvements, we are here to help!

Whether you are a current homeowner or building, we strongly encourage you to consider utilizing Low-E Housewrap® for your home. Our Housewrap® serves as not only a weather resistant-barrier but also insulation and is essential for every climate. Specifically, Housewrap® helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

What Is Low-E Housewrap®?

Low-E Housewrap® is an ICC approved stand alone house wrap that can be used in lieu of traditional house wraps. It acts as a weather resistant barrier, which protects your home from moisture infiltrating your inner wall cavities, and also insulation, reflecting 97% of radiant heat and providing a thermal break. Low-E Housewrap® helps lower your energy costs and save you money! It can be installed behind any external cladding, such as vinyl and brick. Below are five main benefits of Low-E Housewrap®.

• Saves Money On Energy Bills
• Minimizes Water And Moisture Infiltration
• Mold & Mildew Resistant
• Minimizes Wind And Air Leaks To Keep Your Home Its Set Temperature
• Increases Energy Savings

How Does Housewrap® Keep My Home Cool?

Everyone knows you need Low-E windows, right? But does anyone know WHY you need them? It’s because Low-E windows contain glass that has been coated in invisible layers of metallic oxide. This coating reflects UV rays and infrared light (radiant heat) back out into the environment. This means you use less energy to cool your home which in turn, saves you money! Low-E Housewrap® works in much the same way. It reflects 97% of radiant heat and adds R-4.17 behind hollow-back vinyl siding. If you pushed all of your windows together, it only makes up about 10%-20% of your wall system. The other 80%-90% is exterior sheathing (OSB). If we all know we should be using Low-E windows to protect that 10%-20%, why would you not use Low-E Housewrap® to protect the other 80%-90%?

Additional Benefits of Low-E Housewrap®

While we have already listed five benefits of Low-E Housewrap®, there are many more advantages! Below are six more reasons to use to our Housewrap®.

• Improves Insulation System Performance
• For Use Behind Most Exterior Cladding
• Used by Top Builders and Remodelers Nationwide
• Adds R-Value To Wall System
• Installs Like Any Traditional House Wrap
• Helps Meet IECC Code Without Switching to 2′ x 6′ Construction

Yes, You Do Need It!

Simply put – your home and comfort will greatly benefit from Low-E Housewrap® increasing your energy efficiency and thermal performance. And it’ll save you some money too!

Let Low-E Housewrap® help protect your home. If you are interested in installing Housewrap® to benefit you and your home in more ways than one, we can help you locate a Low-E dealer. To continue your home’s energy savings, read about our other high quality products!

The Roofing Underlayment You Need!

Have you ever poured hot coffee into a paper cup and burned your hand from the heat? As a result, you put a sleeve on your coffee cup to protect your hands from the heat. The coffee sleeve provides a thermal break between your hand and the hot drink, which is similar to what Low-E ThermaSheet® does for your roof. ThermaSheet® acts as a thermal barrier between the harsh sun and your cool, air conditioned home. In this article, we will describe everything you need to know about Low-E ThermaSheet® and the great benefits it provides homeowners.

What is ThermaSheet®?

Low-E ThermaSheet® is an insulated roof underlayment designed to help homeowners save energy and money while maintaining a nice air conditioned home. The thermal break created by ThermaSheet® reduces the temperature below your roof deck. The lowered temperature allows your HVAC system a much needed break in the hot summers, because less radiant heat is entering your home. In the summer, radiant heat is responsible for 93% – 97% of that heat gain. To put it simply, Low-E ThermaSheet® stops some of the heat from entering, which results in your air conditioner not having to work as hard to cool your home. This saves energy, which saves you money on your utility bill.

Low-E ThermaSheet® Product Benefits

Below are just a few reasons why Low-E ThermaSheet® can prove to be the best roof underlayment for you and your home.

Stand alone

Low-E ThermaSheet® is ICC approved to be a stand alone roofing underlayment. It does not
need to be used in conjunction with felt paper, synthetics or any other traditional roofing
underlayments. It is your roofing underlayment and insulation all-in-one!

Cuts down on energy usage

ThermaSheet® can help reduce your carbon footprint and help reduce your home energy usage. Your planet will thank you for choosing ThermaSheet® as your roof underlayment!

Saves money on monthly bills

Who doesn’t love saving money? As we described earlier, installing ThermaSheet® can decrease your monthly utility bills by saving on energy. Warm summer temperatures mean your air conditioner is working hard to keep you cool. Let ThermaSheet® work together with your home HVAC system to give you more summer spending money.

Lightweight

ThermaSheet® is about 500 square feet and weighs 18 lbs.

Serves as a vapor and moisture barrier

ThermaSheet is also a protective vapor and moisture barrier! This will help keep unwanted moisture from building up in places such as attics, crawlspaces, and ceilings. Not only is ThermaSheet® a vapor barrier but it also self seals around fasteners! There are THOUSANDS of nails in a normal roofing system. The closed cell polyethylene foam core of Low-E ThermaSheet® self seals and acts as a gasket around every penetration. No more water finding its way through nail pops and rotting out your roof!

Non toxic material

Protect your family and yourself by utilizing non toxic materials for your home. ThermaSheet® is 100% made in the U.S.A using non toxic, easy to handle materials and available nationwide.

Durable and Versatile

Low-E ThermaSheet® is durable and can be left out when “drying time” is needed. It can be installed under shingles, metal roofs, clay tile, and more!

Easy installation process

ThermaSheet® is easy to cut and install, providing a simple and fast installation process.

ThermaSheet® Product Details

Below are brief product details, however, the product benefits and details are endless. Give us a call for specific questions about the product details.

• Self seals around fasteners
• ⅛” thickness available nationwide. 7/32” thickness available to comply with California Title 24 Cool Roof standards
• Can be used for new and re roofing
• TDI, CA, and FL approved
• Built in overlap, meaning full five square coverage

Are you ready to start saving money and energy each month? Low-E ThermaSheet® can benefit your home and family in more ways than one. Give us a call today if you have any questions or to get started on your Low-E ThermaSheet® purchase!

Did you know that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers and the second leading cause of cancer overall? According to the EPA, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year. Furthermore, did you know that radon could be in the air you breathe at home?

You are probably now thinking, “How can I lower radon levels in my home?” We have a solution for homeowners looking to decrease radon levels and the heat transfer between your home and the ground below it. Low-E SlabShield® is a radon barrier, vapor barrier, and under slab insulation all wrapped into one product!

What is a Radon Barrier?

Radon gas moves through the ground and comes from the natural decay of uranium. Radon can enter homes through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations. According to the EPA, old and new homes can have radon problems, including well sealed homes. Once radon enters your home, it is trapped and can build up over time. A radon barrier is laid underground below a concrete slab, which helps keep radon from seeping the slab and into your home. Low-E SlabShield® serves as an effective radon barrier to protect homeowners from radon in their homes.

What is a Vapor Barrier?

Water vapor can cause a variety of moisture issue problems in your home. A vapor barrier prevents water vapor from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces and roofs. Vapor moisture can cause mold to grow and rot your home building materials, which can be avoided with the help of Low-E SlabShield®. Low-E SlabShield® acts as a vapor barrier due to its closed cell polyethylene foam.

What is Low-E Slab Shield?

Concrete is a conductor of heat, which means it is a poor insulator. When temperatures drop outside, you actually lose heat through your floor as it moves through your concrete foundation and into the ground beneath your home. Low-E SlabShield® substantially reduces this heat transfer by keeping more of the heat inside your home. Low-E SlabShield® is a significant upgrade when added to any exterior snow melt system as well. Once again, a considerable amount of the heat generated in the tubes beneath your slab in this kind of system is usually lost to the ground below. When added to this system, Low-E SlabShield® makes it much more efficient. The teenager that shovels your driveway will thank you! SlabShield® also adjusts itself to the ground, which makes for an easier concrete pour.

Low-E SlabShield® specifically features:

• Decrease in Slab Response Time
• Excellent Radon Barrier
• Excellent Vapor Barrier
• Exclusive Interlocking Tabs
• Convenient & Lightweight
• Puncture Resistant to 93 PSI
• Crush Resistant to 70 PSI
• Helps Retain Curing Moisture for Stronger Concrete

Let us help you lower the radon levels in your home and work toward lowering the impact radon has on our lungs. Low-E SlabShield® can serve as a radon barrier to achieve this goal!

The flowers are blooming and the sun is shining, which can only mean one thing: Spring is here! And with Spring comes the inevitable task of doing some much-needed cleaning. Whether it’s inside or outside your home, there’s a lot of work to be done. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a spring home maintenance checklist of everything you need to do to get your home ready for Spring. Let’s get started!

Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Now that you have a Spring home maintenance checklist, it’s time to learn some tips and tricks for completing each task. Here are a few pointers to help you get started:

• For tasks that require the use of harsh chemicals, be sure to read the labels carefully and wear protective gear.
• When cleaning the windows, start from the top and work your way down. This will prevent streaks from forming.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a dust bin attachment to clean furniture and other delicate surfaces.
• To get rid of musty smells in the basement or attic, place bowls of vinegar or baking soda around the area.

With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to tackle your Spring cleaning with ease!

The Importance of Spring Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is essential for keeping your property in good condition. By completing some simple tasks each Spring, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to perform Spring maintenance:

• Prevent pests from invading your home by cleaning up food and water sources.
• Keep your AC unit running efficiently by changing the air filters.
• Identify any potential problems with your home systems before they become serious issues.
• Keep your home looking its best by refreshing paint, caulking, and grout lines.

Spring is the perfect time to get ahead of any potential home maintenance issues. By completing a thorough inspection of your property, you can ensure that everything is in good working order. Below, you’ll find a complete checklist for your interior and exterior spring cleaning projects!

Interior & Exterior Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Interior Spring Cleaning Checklist

1. Clean and vacuum carpets

2. Vacuum upholstery

3. Change bedding

4. Wipe down cabinets/shelves with a mixture of vinegar, water (1:1 ratio) and baking soda to get rid of grease stains or other tough spots on the surface

5. Remove window blinds, wipe off curtains and freshen with a light soap solution and hang out to dry

6. Clean inside refrigerator – wiping down shelves, drawers, wall behind refrigerator

7. Dust all surfaces in living room, including bookshelves, lamps etc

8. Wipe any dusting clues that may have accumulated on outside windowsills throughout house using a wet cloth or sponge

9. Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or holes that may need to be filled in

10. Test your home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly

11. If you have a fireplace, now is a good time to get it cleaned and inspected by a professional

12. Spring is also a good time to have your septic tank pumped if you have one on your property

13. If you live in an area prone to flooding, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered

14. Schedule annual maintenance appointments for any major appliances in your home such as air conditioners, furnaces etc

Exterior Spring Checklist

1. Inspect the roof for any damage or missing shingles

2. Repair any cracks in the driveway or sidewalks

3. Trim back any overgrown trees or bushes

4. Reseed any bald patches in the lawn

5. Clean out gutters and downspouts

6. Inspect and clean AC unit (if applicable)

7. Wash and polish the exterior of your home

Have Fun, and Happy Spring!

Now that you know what needs to be done both inside and outside your home, it’s time to get started on your Spring cleaning! Be sure to work through each item on the checklist systematically so that you don’t miss anything. And most importantly, have fun! There’s nothing like a clean house to make you feel refreshed and ready for the warm weather ahead. The team at Low-E has got a wide variety of energy saving products for your home!