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How is Dry Ice Created?

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

How is Dry Ice Made? Dry Ice Sublimation

We’ve all seen dry ice – in science class, in the shipment of Omaha steaks, and countless other places in our everyday lives. But what exactly is dry ice made out of? Why is it called Dry Ice? Is it harmful to the environment?  We will provide you with answers to all of these questions and more as you read further.

What is Dry Ice Made Of?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide or CO2.  It is rarely seen in its solid state, because the temperatures required to keep the atoms in a solid form must be so low, that it rarely exists in nature.  CO2 is produced by humans and animals every day as we exhale.  The temperature needed to keep carbon dioxide in its solid state is -70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.  Dry ice is created by gathering carbon dioxide (usually as a byproduct of some other manufactured item) and compressing that gas until it reaches its non-natural liquid state.  The pressure is then quickly removed which causes a rapid drop in temperature, enough to freeze the carbon dioxide into large blocks or small pellets.  The large blocks are the most popular because they last longer due to their relatively small surface area.

Why is it Called Dry Ice?

There is no naturally occurring liquid form of carbon dioxide, which means that it goes straight from solid to gas when melting.  In fact, this melting process has its own unique name since it skips the liquid state and goes straight to gas.  When dry ice “melts” it is called sublimation.  Because of its relatively mess-free sublimation process, dry ice is popular in keeping perishable items cold when on cross country trips.  The relatively clean nature of CO2 has also contributed to its popularity as a method of pressure washing.  This method is called Dry Ice Blasting and leaves behind no residue when cleaning the surfaces of machines or other hardware.

Is Dry Ice Eco-Friendly?

Dry ice is absolutely eco-friendly.  Because its creation is usually based off of chemicals that are a result of other products being made, carbon dioxide does not really require any additional chemical reactions to be created.  CO2 is a naturally forming gas in our atmosphere, and although its overabundance has been the scapegoat for global warming, its use in the creation of dry ice does not contribute negatively to this phenomenon. Dry ice used commercially is actually better for the environment than many of its alternatives because it does not generate any additional waste.  If you are environmentally conscious, do some research and determine if there are any dry ice alternatives to components of other services you already use such as blasting, shipping, etc.

Dry ice has many uses, and is a phenomenon of nature. Not too many of us think about how it is created or what impact it might have on the environment, but hopefully after reading this article, you walk away better informed on the lookout for new ways to incorporate its benefits into your daily life.

 

Citations:

About the Author:  Aaron Garcia is a representative of Midwest Dry Ice Blasting, a dry ice cleaning company from Minnesota specializing in industrial & production plant cleaning.  For more information about their services, please visit www.midwestdryiceblasting.com.

 

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Money-Saving and Eco-Friendly Household Supplies

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Modern society, for all of its consumption, has also become a more eco-friendly, earth conscious place. As a result, more and more people are looking into ways that they can “go green” in different areas of their life.

One area of your life that has the potential to be a little greener is your household supply closet. Here are some simple tips for getting more eco-friendly household supplies.

Purchase Store Bought “Green” Items

Thanks to the consumer demand for products with more “green” qualities, many brands are providing at least some earth friendly alternatives. Most of these alternatives are labeled in a blatant way, highlighting the methods that are used to achieve an eco-friendly status.

You can hunt down these products by visiting a local store and checking the different bottles for labels of this kind. If you’re willing to spend some time educating yourself, you can also check the ingredients of the standard products for more harmful ingredients, so you can avoid purchasing those cleaners.

If you don’t want to go on a hunt to find items like this, you can always visit a specialty store. One of the best types of specialty store is the online niche website. There are several niche websites that specialize in selling green products of this nature.

Make Your Own Cleaners

There are many high quality cleaners that you can make at home, using ingredients that you may already have. Some items can work as effective cleaners right out of the box. Baking soda can be used for scrubbing surfaces or as an air freshener. Vinegar can be used as a floor and tile cleaner.

Lemon juice can help get rid of grime. Washing soda can work as a powerful dish soap. Many of these items can also be combined, allowing you to make your own earth powered, low consumption, low cost cleaner.

Minimize Your Use

There are many ways that you can reduce the products you use to clean. One simple way is to reduce the number of cleaners you purchase and keep around the house.

Many all purpose cleaners, whether they are store bought or home made, can multi-task, eliminating the need for a cabinet full of unused cleaning supplies. Water conservation is also important during cleaning. Avoid letting the water run unnecessarily, and try to use less water in your mopping buckets or for scrubbing jobs.

You should also avoid one-use items at all costs. Paper towels, disposable napkins, paper plates, and plastic utensils are unnecessary forms of consumption, even if they’re recycled. Instead, use items like durable mops, sponges, and handheld vacuums to get the job done. If you ever do use the consumable alternatives, be certain that you recycle them.

There are many other ways that you can reduce your negative impact on the environment. Reducing general use and recycling, in addition to following tips like these, are just a couple of the methods you can use. Be sure to look into other ways that you can effectively go green.

Annie is an eco-consious and frugal blogger for Credit Card Finder, the money-saving app for credit card comparison. Read our detailed guide on going green by switching to an online credit card statement.

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Transport Companies Saving The Planet One Load At A Time

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Unless you live under a rock, everyone is aware of the controversy about global warming and what most believes is the culprit, carbon dioxide emissions. While this conversation may continue for the existence of man one thing is sure, the emissions of carbon dioxide are a form of pollution and man has the technology to reduce this form of pollution and that cannot be a bad thing.

So how can the ecologically aware company do their part to reduce their environmental footprint? One of the solutions is to use courier service to move what needs to be moved. What people need to understand is that the more cars, the more trucks, the more vehicles on the road, the more carbon dioxide that is being released into the environment.

One of the simple solutions to the problems of too much carbon dioxide is to simply reduce the number of vehicles on the road, therefore reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The question always becomes that if you are running a business how to balance the responsibility of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and running your business in a profitable way.

At first the idea of bulk shipping through the use of a courier service or a car transport seems like an easy solution, however when selecting couriers a company needs to do just a little research in order to ensure the courier they have selected operates in an environmentally responsible way.

Understanding that most transport companies are actually very irresponsible, research needs to be conducted. When you hire company to move your product does the company use bio diesel, do they reduce the amount of empty runs, do they work to balance their emissions by balancing the way they company itself is run and the amount of necessary emissions?

All of these questions need to be addressed and there are companies out there working on the removal of these issues from the way they operate. First the transport companies can work hard to schedule their runs in order to reduce or eliminate empty runs, this obviously reduces their emissions, and because empty runs makes up most of the driving these companies do.

Next the company can switch over to bio diesel which has much lower emissions and the process of making bio diesel is also more environmentally friendly. The one thing that a transport company can do is to encourage or require its employees to operate the company itself in a responsible way in order to balance the amount of unavoidable emissions of carbon dioxide.

Putting all of these elements together it is possible to run a transport company in an environmentally responsible way, while remaining profitable. As a company the needs things moved from place to place it becomes their responsibility to hire these types of transport companies in order to reduce not only their own footprint but the overall emission into the atmosphere which will benefit mankind. There is only one planet that humans can live on and destroying it, does not make good business sense.

Sandra, aspiring author from London, UK.

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Solar Power Programs At Risk Of Due To Budget Constriction

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

As the solar power programs has been gradually taking a firmer shape, several energy industries cautioned that funds are strictly constricted. As a result, it may limit their effort to invest in different solar power schemes that can be the answer for having an alternative source of energy.

In the UK, almost every project for next year has been closed and brought up to conclusion. The budget will then be distributed to existing solar energy business. Also, it has been stated that once solar energy sources were installed, owners will be urged to pay as long as the sources are up and running. However, experts said that the event can be altered if the government will have changes in its rules in the future.

Most of the allocated fund will then be transferred to those owners that setup their solar equipments this year, which is good news. However, there will be fewer budgets that will be allocated into small business that will also establish solar equipments for the next year. It is projected that the constriction in funding will go on until 2015.

Experts said that if the yearly funding constriction will be sturdy and will not see signs of any luck, there will be a big trouble for the solar energy sector. Solar energy companies are having qualms that their anticipated solar energy growth will fall down. The problem in solar energy funding has become the main concern of those renewable energy companies.

If things will go the way experts projected, funding will be restricted quickly than what they have projected. It might put a stop on the solar energy business, which has become a top contender when it comes in alternative energy source. The energy department stated that the problems in funding will be addressed effectively and they will find ways on how to evenly spread out budget allocation in different solar energy sectors. Nevertheless, the government seems to have worries in reallocating funding.

Renewable energy has grown popular these days, as they can let owners have guaranteed income. It can likewise let them have free electricity. With those things, solar energy companies want to get fair share of the funding. Even though they want to get the best support, not all can have the chance to get what they need. As long as the government and the energy department are still in the talks for funding, other solar power companies should wait for what will be the outcome of the said negotiations.

Richard Wright is sad to see budget restrictions on such an important issue. He writes in support of his client a Sussex solar panels company who specialize in Solar PV

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Go Green And Save Water Everyday

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Apartment living means you can still be a part of saving the planet by reducing in amount of water flowing from your faucets, shower heads and toilets. Every day be conscience of the water you use in the shower, while washing dishes and watering plants. Whether you live in an apartment in Denver CO or any other city and state, whatever you can do to reduce, reuse and recycle will be a benefit for everyone. Conserving just a small amount of water each day makes a big difference for everyone.

Install A Low Flow Shower Head

When moving into an apartment inquire about a low flow shower head (if there is not already one installed) to reduce the amount of water being used while taking showers. Turn off the shower when shaving or lathering up and limit the time you are in the shower. Another plus in this area is a tankless water heater that takes up very little space and heats the water as needed instead of a regular water heater that needs electric to heat water every day.

Turn Off The Water

Get in the habit of turning off the water when brushing your teeth, washing dishes and other small tasks like filling a coffee pot. There is no need to keep the water running after the pot is full, the excess will be wasted by running down the drain. When rinsing dishes use only the amount needed and no more.
Adjust The Settings On Appliances

Simple adjustments on your dishwasher and washer can save many gallons at one time. Pre-rinsing is sometimes not necessary when using a hot water setting. This should remove everything on your dishes when combined with the recommend amount of cleaner. Conserve water by washing a full load of clothes at once and using the correct amount of detergent. In addition washing in cold water will conserve electricity and money each month.

Reduce The Amount Of Water Usage In Your Toilet
Be eco friendly in the bathroom and save gallons of water each week. Simply place a (closed) container filled with gravel or small rocks in the toilet tank. This will conserve water by not filling the tank completely.  Since you are a renter this will not harm the toilet tank and the container can be taken out or replaced if need be.

Watering Plants

Rainwater is a great way to water plants, cleaning patio furniture and washing those muddy boots. If you have plants inside your apartment, simply place them outside when it rains. Placing a bucket or small pot outside to catch rainwater is another way to conserve water. Patio furniture doesn’t require water from a faucet when cleaning for storage. Just use the collected rain water and see the shine come back!

Think of other ideas to save water while living in an apartment. Anything that you can do to conserve water will bring down the cost for other yourself and the other tenants. You may even set a trend that others will want to follow. The simpliest thing(s) you do now will mean savings in the long run.

Randy Mosburg writes on a variety of subjects. He enjoys writing about green apartment Living in Downtown Denver.

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Solar Power Safety

Monday, September 12th, 2011

In one way or another we have all heard of solar power testing, or rather the use of solar power, the cause behind the testing.  Whether you learned about different types of energy in your elementary science class, read about fuel issues in the local newspaper or watched a documentary on alternative ways to power a car, solar power is a well-known energy source that continues to grow in popularity.  Businesses and homeowners alike are finding more and more uses for the sun.  The sun is a hot commodity (literally!), and people are jumping at the chance to take advantage of this natural source of heat and light.  However, despite the benefits of using solar power, it still remains the large underdog in the electricity-producing world, falling behind resources like fossil fuels, oil, natural gases, coal, nuclear fuel, and wind and water power.

One of the main reasons solar power is not capitalized more often is the high costs required for equipment and testing.  In order to mass produce sun-powered electricity, large and expensive equipment is needed before a business can collect and process the sun’s rays.  (The largest solar power plant is located in the Mojave Desert and contains over 900,000 reflective mirrors, many of which have broken.)  Once the equipment is produced and put into place, it must be checked thoroughly to ensure that the machinery is producing energy the way it was designed to, a process known as solar power testing.

What is solar power testing?

In order to ensure it is up to standards and producing the correct amounts of electricity, solar power equipment requires a series of scientific tests, measurements and devices.  Testing these commercial solar power units helps to ensure that all elements are working properly and safely.  Each piece is checked rigorously and its statistics are documented.  Once the machinery has passed all of the necessary tests, including semiconductor testing, it can then become certified.

Product certification is a process that must be completed so that the power may be used commercially (sold so that you may use it in your home). The testing performed on solar power machinery is usually performed by a certified company that uses large scale, state-of-the-art technology.  Elements such as temperature and humidity also tested since these variables have the ability to affect the solar panel’s power output.  On smaller scales, solar panels can be tested by an individual; however, this is used for personal use and only tests for the output power and energy absorbed.

With all of today’s testing standards and requirements, you can breathe safely knowing the electricity collected through the sun is not only energy efficient, but that is has also been collected safely.

 

Now that you know more about solar power testing, you’re probably interested in learning more about toy testing.  This guest post is brought to you by Michelle Anderson.

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Going Green With Home Appliances

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

Going Green.  These have been the buzz words for the past couple of years.  As knowledge of climate change increase and energy costs rise, consumers have eagerly sought environmentally responsible alternatives in their products.  So far, one of the most affordable alternatives has been getting energy saving home appliances.  This way you can have the luxurious, modern looking kitchen, all the while saving big bucks on energy bills and sparing the environment.

While at first the idea of buying new kitchen appliances seems pretty overwhelming and expensive, the initial investment is well worth it.

For example, if you are looking to replace your fridge with one that is energy efficient, you are most likely using one that consumes over twice the amount of energy as modern fridges.  By upgrading to one that has been designated “Energy Efficient” homeowners on average will save over $150 a year on their energy bill.  And when considering the average price of a fridge is between $700 to $900, your appliance can be paid off in 5-6 years, especially since most fridges have a life span between fifteen to twenty years.

In addition to the constant energy bill savings, many energy providers will pay you to pick up your old kitchen appliances.  For example, PECO has paid $100 to come to homes pick up old GE Appliances.

In regards to other appliances, you can be significantly more energy efficient based upon the type of oven you select.  More specifically, consumers should consider purchasing a convection oven as opposed to a conventional oven.  The reason behind this is because convection ovens will save you roughly 20% on energy use.  However, it makes little difference whether the stove is gas or electric.  So that is always up to personal preference.

After fully upgrading your kitchen with all new energy efficient appliances there will be an enormous amount of value coming out of your kitchen.  In fact, estimates indicate that homeowners in general save up to $400 a year on their energy bills alone.  Not only will you save tons of money on your energy bills, but you will also reap the benefits of a contribution to the environment as well as the pleasure giving your kitchen a facelift.

Faced with all of those facts, it is hard to believe why more individuals haven’t made the step towards purchasing their new “green” products.

Written by Shane Jones. Shane is an appliance wiz who enjoys playing soccer and reading in his spare time.

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Money-Saving and Eco-Friendly Household Supplies

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Germs using your toothbrush!!!Modern society, for all of its consumption, has also become a more eco-friendly, earth conscious place. As a result, more and more people are looking into ways that they can “go green” in different areas of their life.

One area of your life that has the potential to be a little greener is your household supply closet. Here are some simple tips for getting more eco-friendly household supplies.

Purchase Store Bought “Green” Items

Thanks to the consumer demand for products with more “green” qualities, many brands are providing at least some earth friendly alternatives. Most of these alternatives are labeled in a blatant way, highlighting the methods that are used to achieve an eco-friendly status.

You can hunt down these products by visiting a local store and checking the different bottles for labels of this kind. If you’re willing to spend some time educating yourself, you can also check the ingredients of the standard products for more harmful ingredients, so you can avoid purchasing those cleaners.

If you don’t want to go on a hunt to find items like this, you can always visit a specialty store. One of the best types of specialty store is the online niche website. There are several niche websites that specialize in selling green products of this nature.

Make Your Own Cleaners

There are many high quality cleaners that you can make at home, using ingredients that you may already have. Some items can work as effective cleaners right out of the box. Baking soda can be used for scrubbing surfaces or as an air freshener. Vinegar can be used as a floor and tile cleaner.

Lemon juice can help get rid of grime. Washing soda can work as a powerful dish soap. Many of these items can also be combined, allowing you to make your own earth powered, low consumption, low cost cleaner.

Minimize Your Use

There are many ways that you can reduce the products you use to clean. One simple way is to reduce the number of cleaners you purchase and keep around the house.

Many all purpose cleaners, whether they are store bought or home made, can multi-task, eliminating the need for a cabinet full of unused cleaning supplies. Water conservation is also important during cleaning. Avoid letting the water run unnecessarily, and try to use less water in your mopping buckets or for scrubbing jobs.

You should also avoid one-use items at all costs. Paper towels, disposable napkins, paper plates, and plastic utensils are unnecessary forms of consumption, even if they’re recycled. Instead, use items like durable mops, sponges, and handheld vacuums to get the job done. If you ever do use the consumable alternatives, be certain that you recycle them.

There are many other ways that you can reduce your negative impact on the environment. Reducing general use and recycling, in addition to following tips like these, are just a couple of the methods you can use. Be sure to look into other ways that you can effectively go green.

Annie is an eco-consious and frugal blogger for Credit Card Finder, the money-saving app for credit card comparison. Read our detailed guide on going green by switching to an online credit card statement.

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The Importance of Energy Efficiency in Home Appliances

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Due in large part to the current economic, energy, and environmental crises, product developers are putting particular emphasis on energy efficiency – as are nature-friendly consumers. Widespread effort to use the minimum amount of energy for maximum mechanical functioning is the aim of product developers and consumers – a fortunate trend since advances and personal effort in this field are essential for everyone’s well-being. Technology in everyday household appliances has made significant progress over the past 20 years, and brands are a ferocious competition to put out the most advanced and efficient products.

The well-respected ENERGY STAR program brands, with its logo products that are technologically up to par, are making it easier for consumers to make wise choices regarding their household items. ENERGY STAR evaluates a wide variety of products including appliances, electronics, and construction equipment. Those in search for new appliances are well-advised to consult the ENERGY STAR list of approved products beforehand! [1]

In addition to keeping an eye out for the best products, it benefits the individual to know what makes a product energy efficient, mechanically speaking, and how they can maintain their appliances to function optimally while using as little energy as possible. This is beneficial not only for the environment, but also for one’s electric bills.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are the biggest energy guzzlers of the house accounting for about one-sixth of electricity consumption. One can reduce the cost of refrigeration by investing in an appropriately-sized model (a full-sized refrigerator is superfluous for a small household), by keeping the thermostat between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (an ideal temperature for food storage), and by regularly defrosting the inside. It is also important to note that top/bottom models use less energy than side-by-side models.

Washing Machines

The easiest solution to energy-efficient clothes washing is, of course, to do the task by hand. Otherwise, when searching for a washer, opt for front-loading washers (those with a horizontal spinner axis), which require less water to drench the clothing. Also, as water heating requires energy, cold cycles are more economical. One can also search for a washer with a fast spin momentum at the end of the cycle, as this lessens the need for machine-drying. A list of ENERGY STAR-certified washers, which must be 40% more energy efficient than the industry standard to qualify for the label, can be found on energystar.gov.

Dishwashers

Consistent with washing machines, the most energy-efficient dishwashers use minimal water and electricity. Dishwashers produced after 1994 that meet the ENERGY STAR standards use 5.8 gallons of water per cycle or less – however, one can use even less than this by setting the washer to the “short cycle” option. This simply abbreviates each stage of the washing, resulting in less water and electricity expenditure. Many washers also have a “no heat” drying option, which cuts down even further the amount of electricity used.

Dryers

Much like clothes-washing, it should be noted foremost that the most energy-efficient way to dry one’s clothing is to use a clothes line, or lay garments flat to dry. However, if one is committed to machine-drying, there are efforts that can be taken to maximize energy efficiency. To begin, gas-powered driers are better than electric ones because the burning of gas generates more energy than electricity. Proper maintenance of machines includes removing lint regularly and keeping the machine in a warm, dry space so that it doesn’t have to use as much power to reach the proper temperature – also, drying loads in succession recycles heat, reducing the machine’s task of producing it. ENERGY STAR does not label dryers because they all use similar amounts of energy, but it is agreed upon that combination washer-drier machines use less energy than two separate machines do.

Water Heaters

This appliance comes in more varieties than any other; the consumer can choose between heaters powered by gas, electricity, heat pumps, and solar power, among other sources. By far, the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option is the solar-powered model, although they are initially the most expensive. Unfortunately, they are only the best option when used in mid to warm climates. For consumers in colder hemispheres, heat pumps are a good alternative. Their advantage over conventional water heaters, which must constantly heat reserves of hot water, is that they simply move heat from one place to another; obtaining it from the surrounding room, for instance. It is helpful to keep the water tank insulated, and also to keep the thermostat around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A list of ENERGY STAR-approved heat pump models, which must be 10% more energy efficient than the industry standard to qualify for the label, can be found on energystar.gov.

Source:

1. http://www.energystar.gov

This article is from Wellhome, which provides Home Energy Audits or Assessments with the ability to upgrade HVAC, Windows, and Home Insulation, and perform Duct Tightening and Air Sealing to create a comfortable more well balanced home that performs at its best level. Home energy assessments through WellHome allow the homeowner to get a bigger picture of the efficiency of the home and its ability to maintain comfortable temperatures and air flow.

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A Little Insulation Goes a Long Way

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Insulation vs. Conductivity

To understand insulation, you must also understand conductivity.  A good conductor transfers energy easily.  That’s why it’s dangerous to hold a golf club during a lightning storm and why it’s safe to be in a car during that same storm, because of the rubber wheels.  Rubber is a great insulator and a terrible conductor.  You mean the same properties that make a material transfer electricity also apply to transferring heat? Yes.  If a material is a good insulator then it will be a poor conductor, and vice versa.

The same principle of energy transfer that applies to electricity also relates to heat transfer.  Heat is but one a form of energy.  Good conductors will not make good insulation materials. Conversely, good insulators will not transfer energy (in this case, heat).  Wood, batt insulation, and rubber are a few examples of good insulators.  Copper, metal, and water are good conductors.  What you need to know, ultimately, is that you want to separate your property from the outdoors with the good insulators.

Windows

Windows need to be up to par and hold their own when it comes to insulation.  Wood is naturally a good insulator.  Its cellular structure makes it so.  Vinyl windows have made huge advancements over the past couple of decades in their insulation properties.  They’re quite good nowadays and with the lower cost of vinyl windows, they’re a popular option for many people.

Doors

This is another obvious one.  The place where you can lose a lot of heat is a where you purposefully put an entrance.  Make sure to have all cracks sealed around your doors.  Fresh sealing tape and caulking may need to be reapplied every year or two.  It tends to degrade over time.

Walls

Make sure the walls are insulated well.  Also, make sure the ceiling on the top floor of your home is insulated where the attic floor meets the rooms.  This is an area that is sometimes overlooked.  However, it separates you from the cold or hot air from the outdoors so take a look if you haven’t yet.

Insulate and Save

You’re home’s insulation is only as good as the last barrier that separates you from the outdoors.  Concentrate on that and you will save money on your heating and cooling bills.  Make sure to use quality insulation products and you’ll save money in the long run.

Elliot Roberts is a professional writer for numerous home improvement publications and home improvement blogs.

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