Spray Foam & Attic Insulation Company near Lake Forest, Wilmette, Winnetka Illinois | Dr. Energy Saver N.E. Illinois

Children's Book Drive at Waterway Car Wash

2018-01-16T00:00:00.05Z

How Air Krete Helps Make Cold Rooms Warmer

2015-01-02T00:00:00.05Z

If you are like most people in Northern climates, you know about freezing cold rooms in the winter and hot oppressive conditions in the summer. Many people find their walls so cold, or hot that they often are convinced that there must be no insulation at all in their walls at all. Sadly, this is usually not the case. Homeowners are often shocked when an investigation into their walls reveals that they in fact DO have pink or yellow fiberglass insulation. Unfortunately, fiberglass bat insulation is a very old insulation technology and a poor one at that. So does one have to tear down the drywall and reinstall better insulation with something better? For most insulating products the answer would be yes. However, there is a way to avoid the mess and high cost of removing drywall just so one can have a properly insulated home. The solution is AirKrete. AirKrete is a foam that we spray into the cavities of your walls, attics, ceilings and crawl spaces. When we apply it, the foam has the consistency of shaving cream before it hardens into a light yet cement-like insulation. By drilling small holes and inserting a tube into your walls ( from the outside) AirKrete can fill in all the voids and even fill in the space of the near useless fiberglass insulation. Not only can AirKrete fill 98% of a wall cavity, it is also the world’s only Fire Proof, mold and pest resistant insulation.

AirKrete Foam Insulation is also a great choice for homeowners who would like to deaden the impact of outside noise. AirKrete does not echo sound like other foam insulations, but deadens any sound that attempts to penetrate it. AirKrete can achieve sound deadening of up to 50 to 60 decibels in situations where extreme outside noise is a problem.

Insulation for All Seasons

2014-02-05T00:00:00.05Z

The right insulation and HVAC system can keep your Illinois home comfortable year-round

When insulating your home, there are many types of insulation to choose from. A professional contractor can help you choose the best insulation based on where you need to add/install insulation and the recommended R-values of the areas you want to insulate.

Most people only think about insulating their homes when mornings turn frosty. Unfortunately, that’s just when many insulation contractors are their busiest and least likely to get to your job in a timely way. Nor will you find them as receptive to negotiating their rates as during the non-heating season.

Winter, however, shouldn’t be the only time you think about insulation. In summer, with roof and attic temperatures soaring, insulation is critical to keeping your home cool and cooling costs low. In fact, in many regions of the U.S., insulating to keep the heat out is more important than insulating to keep heat in.

Another reason to insulate now, regardless of the season, is that doing so will prepare your home for when you decide to upgrade (or must replace) your HVAC equipment. It makes little sense to install a new furnace, boiler, or central AC system until you’ve brought your home’s insulation levels to the R-levels recommended by the Department of Energy. The payback on every dollar spent on conservation is much quicker than for dollars spent on HVAC equipment, regardless of how efficient it is!

Oversized HVAC equipment and inadequate insulation reduces heating & cooling efficiency

Adding insulation does more than reduce the amount of fuel and electricity you’ll need for heating and cooling your home. It also reduces the loads (peak demands) your HVAC equipment will need to meet during extreme winter and summer weather. This may translate into less wear and tear on existing heating and cooling equipment as well as a cost break on new HVAC equipment when you upgrade.

Some homeowners do not understand that furnaces and air conditioners that are too large are less efficient than their smaller, right-sized counterparts. The smart approach to bringing your home to peak efficiency and comfort levels is to insulate and properly seal air leaks and only then have your HVAC contractor calculate your home’s heating and cooling loads. The BTU capacities of your new equipment should be based upon this calculation – not on the capacity of the old equipment being replaced.

Insulate first, then install the right size HVAC equipment

Regardless of the time of year or where you live, upgrading your HVAC system and insulation improvements go hand in hand. If you are contemplating a new furnace or central air conditioning system, let Dr. Energy Saver N.E. Illinois maximize your insulation first.

It's smart to have your insulation inspected and to make the necessary improvements to your insulation before upgrading your HVAC equipment. Otherwise, you may end up buying more capacity than you need -- and cause your new HVAC equipment to run at lower efficiencies than projected by the manufacturer.

We are Northeastern IL's experts when it comes to maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient home. We know the right type of insulation to install and where to install it. We can also replace your old heating and cooling system with an energy-saving option.

How Insulation Can Save Energy & Money in the Fall

2013-09-04T00:00:00.05Z

The right type and amount of insulation depends on where you live. For homes in Illinois, insulation should have an insulating value between R38 and R49 when being upgraded.

With summer almost over, residents of Northern Illinois have a lot to look forward to within their surrounding communities during this upcoming fall season - from the beautiful changes in foliage and local street festivals to the changes in weather and all things pumpkin. Many people consider the fall to be the perfect time of year as far as climate goes – not too hot and not too cold. When we are at home, we can keep our windows cracked and stay comfortable for longer periods of time without having to touch our thermostats. During those mildly warm afternoons and cool and crisp evenings, we can easily forget about the ever increasing energy bills we dread seeing every month.

While you might not be thinking about home improvements during the fall season, it’s wise to consider what’s going on within the home and to think about the climate of the upcoming seasons. Cold floors, drafty rooms, high energy bills, and inconsistent room temperatures are just a few signs of a leaky and energy wasting home. While there may be numerous causes for any one of these symptoms; if you are experiencing any of these energy problems, it might be a good idea to have your insulation inspected. If the insulation in our home is damaged, missing, or improperly installed, then the R-value (heat transfer) of the insulation material itself will significantly drop, letting more air escape out of the conditioned rooms of the home; and therefore costing us more money to stay comfortable.

Modern advancements to both insulation materials and installation techniques have now made it easier than ever to address the energy weaknesses within the home during the fall season. Insulation upgrades provide long-term improvements that will help increase the overall home comfort and energy efficiency of the building during those hot summer days in July and those cold wintry nights in January. Insulation can also help to improve the air quality of the home year round.

Starting with an energy assessment of the home, energy professionals are able to quickly locate and identify the largest energy weaknesses within a building and then provide the most cost-effective solutions for the home. Dr. Energy Saver (N.E. Illinois) can help you decide which type of insulation material is right for your home, where it’s needed and how much. There are many insulation options available, including spray foam, blown-in, rigid foam board, cellulose insulation, and radiant barriers; which can be used for insulating the attic, crawl space, basement, garage and all throughout the house.

Find out how you can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home this fall with insulation services from Dr. Energy Saver (N.E. Illinois). We provide our home insulation services to homeowners all throughout the Greater North Shore area, including: Palatine, Arlington Heights, Glenview, Algonquin, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and cities nearby! Contact us today to see and feel the difference insulating your home can make!

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with Replacement Windows & Doors

2013-08-05T00:00:00.05Z

The majority of your home’s energy is spent on heating it in the winter, and cooling it during the summer. If your home is not properly air sealed, your HVAC system could be working overtime to compensate for the lost conditioned air. Make your home more energy efficient today by sealing it up with replacement windows and doors.

Replacement Windows

It’s important to contact your local replacement window contractor when you decide that it’s time replace your home’s windows. This is because installing new replacement windows can be a pretty tough job to take on without help. It requires careful measurements to make sure the new units fit snugly inside the existing frames. A trained professional will not only know how to correctly measure and fit the windows on the first try, but will also guarantee insulated and air sealed windows. This aspect of window replacement is extremely important because if they are not properly air sealed and insulated, you could be facing the same problems that your previous windows presented.

Various types of replacement windows offer many aesthetic options for your home as well. Today, vinyl windows are the most popular because they require little to no maintenance, they never need to be painted, and will not chip, rot, or peel. Other alternatives include fiberglass, aluminum, or wood replacement windows. Modern replacement windows also have energy-efficient glass called low-e glass. It stops the flow of about 60 percent of exterior heat in the summer. Low-e glass is slightly tinted and also has a metallic coating on the inside of the glass which reduces the flow of heat. So, all around, replacement windows are a great addition to any home -- keeping it looking good AND energy efficient!

Replacement Doors

Replacement doors have some of the same benefits as replacement windows. Similarly, they require a trained contractor to perfectly fit the new door into the existing space and ensure it is correctly air sealed and insulated. Glass doors are known for allowing cold and heat to transfer through when you don’t want it to. Replacing old glass doors with high energy performance doors could make all the difference when it comes to heating and cooling your home efficiently. Replacement glass doors today are made with low-e glass which means a percentage of heat is blocked, therefore preventing heat from leaving your home in the winter and entering during the summer.

The added benefit of replacement windows and doors is that they add curb appeal and more value to your home in addition to making it more energy efficient. If you are unsure of where to start to seal up your home and are considering replacement windows or doors, contact your local home energy advisor. Dr. Energy Saver N.E. Illinois provides complete home energy audits to identify where the best upgrades will have the most impact on your home’s energy efficiency. In most cases, replacement windows are the perfect place to start, alongside air sealing. Don’t hesitate -- contact them today!

Dr. Energy Saver NE Illinois Supports Lake Forest Community Center

2013-04-16T14:19:47.05Z

Dr. Energy Saver NE Illinois is showing their support of the Gorton Community Center by helping to sponsor the Friends of Gorton Annual Fashion Show and Benefit: Luxe Northshore, being held Saturday April 20 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Lake Forest Sports Cars.

Involved in numerous local and national charities, Dr. Energy Saver NE Illinois (also known as United Services) is proud to continue this tradition by helping the Gorton Community Center. Established in 1972 through a partnership between community volunteers and the City of Lake Forest, the center is one of only a few privately-funded community centers in the United States. Serving as a gathering place for the community, Gorton has been proud to enrich the lives of residents through cultural arts, education and charitable service.

The lineup for the fashion show and benefit includes sumptuous creations by local chefs, signature cocktails, raffle prizes, viewing of rare luxury vehicles, a live auction, and a runway show featuring fashions from Neiman Marcus. All proceeds benefit the Gorton Community Center.

Gorton Community Center was established in 1972 as a partnership between community volunteers and the city of Lake Forest. Through cultural arts, education, and charitable service, it serves as a gathering place for residents of Lake Bluff, Lake Forest and surrounding areas.

A member of the Dr. Energy Saver national network of energy performance experts, Dr. Energy Saver NE Illinois/United Services provides energy-saving services to help customers make their homes more comfortable while saving on utility costs. They use innovative and exclusive products to achieve the greatest energy efficiency for their customers, including home energy audits, insulation services, window and door replacement, crawl space repair, and heating and cooling upgrades throughout the Greater North Shore area.

The site of Saturday’s gala event, Lake Forest Sports Cars, is located at 990 North Shore Drive in Lake Bluff. For more information about the event, visit the Gorton Community Center’s website at www.gortoncenter.org.

2012 Energy Conservation Code Raises Energy Standards

2012-04-25T00:00:00.05Z

Lake Bluff, IL - Developed by the Washington, DC-based International Codes Council, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be used by federal agencies like the National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration. The IECC will eventually be used by many state and municipal building departments all across the country.

Even though the 2012 IECC focuses on new and commercial construction, green building experts, such as Dr. Energy Saver®- a nation-wide network of energy specialists, predict that this new building code will have a major impact on upgrading the energy performance of existing houses. Alex Wilson, founder of BuildingGreen, Inc. and executive editor of Environmental Building News, is certain that the new code will have a major impact on home energy performance.

“Simply having code language finalized doesn't mean that a code is in force,” Wilson explains. “But any time a new building code is adopted, designers, builders, and building owners change their practices. I’m hopeful that we will see a residential version of this code in the not-too-distant future.”

Highlights from the new Energy Conservation Code that will impact existing home performance

More airtight construction. Blower door tests are already performed on houses during a standard home energy audit, to measure and detect energy-wasting air leaks. The IECC calls for mandatory blower door testing on new buildings. In colder climate zones, airtight construction techniques should yield a blower door reading equivalent of just 3 air changes per hour (at 50 Pascals pressure). This tight construction standard reinforces the need to stop energy-wasting air leaks with expert air-sealing work.

Higher insulation levels. The new code stresses the importance of insulation in all areas of a building, from basement to attic. For existing houses, the best opportunities for insulation upgrades are in basement, crawl space and attic zones.
Well-sealed ductwork. Leaky ductwork wastes energy by increasing HVAC system run time. The IECC proposes a maximum leakage of just 4cfm (cubic ft./min.) for every 100sq.ft. of floor area. Even though it’s easy to seal ducts when a house is first built, this work is often neglected or entirely omitted. That’s why duct sealing improvements remain very important for existing houses.

More efficient lighting. Recognizing advancements in efficient lighting technology, the new code calls for at least 75% of a new building’s lighting to be “high efficacy.” Thanks to the widespread availability of low-watt compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and even more efficient LED lights, this standard is just as easy to achieve in existing houses as it is in new construction.

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule your home energy audit or estimate for any of their services, which includes: air sealing, ductwork and duct cleaning, crawl space encapsulation, replacement windows in Buffalo Grove, IL and more!

Make Every Day Earth Day With Dr. Energy Saver

2013-04-17T00:00:00.05Z

For more than 40 years now, we have set aside April 22nd, Earth Day, as a time to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth’s natural environment. Around the globe, individuals, communities and businesses volunteer in large ways and small to protect our resources, to foster learning and educational activities, all in the effort to save our planet.

Whether focusing on recycling, saving energy, indoor air quality, water pollution, sustainability and a myriad of other topics, people are eager to take action to help out around this time of year. They join community clean-ups, turn out the lights, walk vs. drive, and engage kids in workshops and festivals to do their part. And it all helps.

But not for long. To be effective, actions and results, need to be sustained for the long haul. Saving energy is topping the list of environmental protection because its effects are felt in so many ways. Dr. Energy Saver® focuses on saving energy all the time. Not for a day, or a week. All the time. It’s your prescription for lower energy bills®. As home-energy experts, Dr. Energy Saver shows you what you can do in your home to save energy while simultaneously reducing your energy bills, and improving your comfort and health . . . every day of the year.

We aim to provide you with cost effective solutions. In order to do just that, we first like to conduct a home energy audit. Here, we utilize a blower door test and evaluate your whole home—quite different from the typical audit performed by other companies. We then are able to properly diagnose the cause and recommend the best solution. Sometimes our homeowners are surprised to see what’s really causing the problem!

Once complete, we prioritize a list of solutions customized for your home!

Weatherization and Home Health: Crawl Spaces, Air Sealing, Ductwork in North Eastern Illinois

2012-04-09T00:00:00.05Z

Energy efficiency and a healthy home are so intertwined that a conversation of one demands inclusion of the other. After all, considering the time we spend inside our home, we are bound to be affected by its conditions. And affected we are. Total-home weatherization is the best defense against potential health hazards and problems. Here’s a look at how the connection between home health and energy efficiency works. We at Dr. Energy Saver offer the resources and tests to identify and solve your home’s specific problems.

Many homeowners may not realize the link between their home’s condition and unnecessary expenses such as: medical bills, high energy bills, illness, and more! Next, we suggest the repairs or upgrades to better seal and ventilate your home, decrease the moisture and relative problems, and make way for adequate duct function.

One of the greatest contributors to an unhealthy home and family is the existence of damp and musty environments such as those in basements and crawl spaces, poorly managed rainwater or groundwater, and plumbing leaks are sources of excess moisture in the home. Moisture leads to mold and mildew growth which can cause irritations of the skin, nose and throat, and respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and nasal and sinus congestion.

Weatherization defense to control moisture includes crawl space encapsulation; diverting water from the foundation via drainage techniques, sump pump installation and dehumidification.

It’s clear that a more energy-efficient home leads to a healthier one. Understand the connection, make the necessary adjustments, and reap the rewards.

Federal and state initiatives continue to implement an integrated, whole-house approach to addressing the connection between energy efficiency and health allowing more homeowners than ever to benefit. Indoor air quality is a great concern for leading organizations and we aim to improve the quality of the air in your home.

We proudly offer crawl space encapsulation, air sealing and ductwork in Buffalo Grove, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, and more!