April is Earth Month, the perfect time to start thinking about making sustainable upgrades to your home. Being made from recycled materials, cellulose is one of the most sustainable insulation options out there and a great choice for many projects. Here’s why our experts here at Ace & Sons recommend cellulose insulation for your home.
What is Cellulose Made From?
Made of over 80% recycled paper and cardboard, cellulose insulation is one of the most sustainable building materials. Most of the material used for cellulose comes from old newspapers which helps to remove it from landfills, making it a great way to reduce waste. Using old newspaper as part of insulation also creates responsible forest management, since reusing old paper prevents more trees from being cut for new material. This adds an extra layer of sustainability to your home.
How is Cellulose Made?
Unlike other insulation materials, cellulose is produced regionally. The recycled material comes in locally and the finished product also ends up staying regional. The shorter shipping distance both to and from production sites reduces fuel needed and emissions created throughout the process. Another great feature of cellulose is that excess material can be reused on site, leaving very little waste. Blown in cellulose can be vacuumed back up and reused.
How Cellulose Improves Sustainability of Your Home
Heating and cooling systems are a large cause of greenhouse gas emissions, so the less you have to use them, the more sustainable your home is. Blown-in cellulose is densely packed and does a great job keeping heat in. If heat has an escape route, your HVAC system ends up working overtime. This makes your bills more expensive and puts more pressure on the atmosphere. Cellulose is a great insulator and can be blown in gaps of existing insulation for improved efficiency.
Cellulose insulation is often preferred not just for its thermal performance, but also for its sustainability. Made locally and from recycled materials, the production of cellulose creates a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions other insulation materials may create.
Ace wants to help you find what’s right for your home, whether that’s cellulose, open cell, or closed cell spray foam. We’re dedicated to sustainability, comfort, and energy savings. No matter what you’re looking for, Ace & Sons is there for you. If you’re looking to make a sustainable upgrade to your home this month, contact Ace & Sons for a quote. We look forward to working with you!