My Home Loses its 'Energy Leech' Status (thanks to Newcomb & Company)!

I always try to be conscious of changes I could make in my own life that could cut down on my footprint. Like lots of people, I dream big but can't always afford to turn the dreams into reality, so I tackle the smaller, more manageable things.

One of those big dreams is one I've had for several years now: to substantially invest in and make my home more energy efficient.

Me, just hanging out at home.

A Little Background
Four years ago, I bought my little (as in, 675 sq. ft.) 1950s home, and I've loved everything about it, from my wonderfully eclectic neighbors to the back courtyard that's always filled with romping dogs. I've loved everything, that is, except the 1950s insulation. And by "1950s insulation," I mean absolutely none whatsoever under the floors or in the walls.

During previous winters, my thermostat might be set at 72 degrees, but inside it was probably closer to 60 thanks to all the air leaks. My body was always substantially colder from my shins down...and sometimes I even resorted to taking a shower to warm up (no lie).

Seriously, last winter I put a lit tealight on the floor and watched the cold draft snuff it right out. That's how bad it was.

I've desperately wanted to do something to make my place warm--or at the very least comfortably bearable--but the issues of funds and quality materials always popped up. I didn't want to be cold anymore, but I also didn't want the insulation to be toxic--is that too much to ask??

Back to the Present
Really, it was just dumb luck that I was sitting in a meeting a couple of months ago with our client, Newcomb and Company, about some new materials on home energy efficiency. It was supposed to be a marketing meeting, but when they started talking about sealing residential crawlspaces to make homes warmer and improve indoor air quality...well, let's just say the meeting took a bit of a turn to talk about how they could help me.

The Nutshell Version

• Jeremy from Newcomb and Company came out to my house to assess the situation.
• The assessment: Pretty daggone bad. My house was one massive energy leech.

• During the coldest months of the year, the heat was constantly blowing, jacking up the monthly heating bill close to an absurd $130 (!). Inside, I wore two layers of clothing and a toboggan (NOT a sled, folks).
• During the hottest months of the year, I generally kept my AC around the temperature of a sauna and just suffered through it.

• My concern: Since my place is connected to a row of three other homes, I was a little worried they wouldn't be able to help me out after all.

Where it Gets Good

• Without blinking an eye, they proposed several different options
• Based on my budget, they recommended a critical seal of the crawlspace and the attic.
• A critical seal: Use spray foam insulation to seal up any and all air leaks/gaps; then install formaldehyde-free insulation on top. 
• Newcomb estimated a full two days worth of labor: one day for the crawlspace and one day for the attic, but these guys banged it out all in one day (super convenient for me!).

Where it Gets Awesome

• That morning, I set the thermostat at 68 and was cold. When the job was all finished, the difference was noticeable and immediate. 
• That afternoon, I went to turn my thermostat down because it was really getting warm up in there...
• ...I hadn't touched it all day...
• ...and I was warm!

Newcomb and Company finished the job right before Raleigh got slapped with a serious cold front and the night-time low was 19 degrees. Two weeks ago, the thermostat would have been set on 74 (probably feeling like -26), I would have slept in two layers, and there would have been an extra blanket on my bed. Instead, I set it at 70 and slept as comfortably as I ever have.

I also decided I'd give my tealight test another try...

Not even so much as a flicker!

To anyone in the area who may have similar issues at home, I cannot say enough great things about Newcomb and Company. They went out of their way to work with me and make the solution possible. 

I also cannot thank Newcomb and Company enough. I'm actually warm and comfortable in my home now. The massive amount of energy wasting and the astronomical heating bills are things of the past!

Need help at your home? I have no problem with shamelessly recommending Newcomb and Company. They aren't just a client; they are my comfort savior! Check them out: www.newcombandcompany.com