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Posted by Kevin in Ohio on Tuesday, February 03, 2009 at 11:34:24 :
In Reply to: OT: Insulated the garage ceiling, Payback looks good posted by Keith in Washington on Monday, February 02, 2009 at 19:20:04 :
It is amazing what GOOD insulating practices will save. When I moved to our family homestead it was a terrible energy hog. My grandparents used a freestanding stove that was bought in the early 1900's and ran an oil furnace as well. 2 rooms were warm while everything else was nippy. Oil bill was high and that was when it was "affordable".
When I moved in I installed a outdoor wood boiler. House is 1800 sq ft 2 story with full basement, I also built a 1800 sq ft attached garage that was totally insulated with radiant floor heat.
The first year I used 28 cord(4 x 4 x 8). The next year I totally stripped the house to find NO insulation anywhere. Full 8 inch sidewalls first floor and full 6 inch sidewalls 2nd floor. Batted all sidewalls completely, added housewrap and new windows with 16 inches of insulation on the ceiling in attic.
I've average 13 cord usage now for 6 years. Took 5 years to pay for itself and that was based on what it cost to heat JUST the house before the garage so those numbers are skewed a little. Power Wagons seem to like the heat in the Winter!
Insulated garage doors help too and if you limit the number of times you open and close you'll gain a LOT more. If I go somwhere during the day I'll leave the vehicle sit out till I come in for the evening. You'd be surprised How much heat it saves you.