In the insulation industry, experience never means the learning stops. In fact, the best contractors are often the ones who continue looking for ways to improve efficiency, refine their processes, and learn from others in the trade.
That commitment to continual improvement is exactly why we recently traveled to Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin LLC in Suamico, Wisconsin, to spend time with owner Dan Guse and his crew.
This marked our second on-site training visit with Dan and his team. Dan is a longtime customer of Insulation Machines and a seasoned insulation contractor with years of hands-on experience. A few months ago, he contacted us about returning during the summer—not because his crew didn’t know how to install or remove insulation, but because they wanted to become even more efficient.
That mindset is what separates good contractors from great ones.
Our training focused on improving efficiency throughout the entire job. We worked with the crew on faster equipment setup for insulation installation and removal, organization of hoses and accessories, proper operation of the Internal Wetting System (IWS), and techniques to reduce setup time while increasing productivity throughout the workday.
One of the biggest advantages of efficiency training is that small improvements often create significant results. Saving just a few minutes during setup, teardown, or material handling adds up over the course of a week, a month, and an entire year. Those time savings allow contractors to complete more work while reducing unnecessary labor and fatigue.
One highlight of the visit was demonstrating how to daisy-chain Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin’s two Cool Machines insulation removal vacuums. Their fleet includes one of the original CoolVac12 insulation removal vacuums, powered by a VCT engine, along with a newer CoolVac23. Seeing these two machines work together to increase suction was another reminder of something we’ve witnessed for years—the remarkable durability of equipment built by Cool Machines.
Many of the earliest Cool Machines products remain in daily service throughout North America. With proper maintenance, these machines continue delivering dependable performance year after year. They’re designed with contractors in mind, making repairs straightforward using tools commonly found in a standard toolbox, whether the work is performed in the field or back at the shop. That serviceability, combined with their durability, helps contractors spend less time waiting on repairs and more time serving customers.
For insulation installation, the crew uses the CM2400 insulation blower by Cool Machines. During training, it didn’t take long for everyone to recognize how much of a difference the Internal Wetting System (IWS) makes. By introducing moisture at the hose, the IWS dramatically reduces airborne cellulose dust during installation, creating a cleaner work environment while improving overall jobsite conditions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of visits like these is that training is never a one-way conversation.
While we’re there to share techniques we’ve developed after decades in the insulation industry, we also learn from experienced contractors like Dan. Throughout the years, Dan has shared ideas, tips, and practical solutions that have helped us better serve other contractors across the country. That’s one of the strengths of our industry—professionals who are willing to exchange ideas instead of keeping them to themselves.
Every visit reinforces the importance of remaining teachable. No matter how many years you’ve been in business or how experienced your crew may be, there is always another idea, another technique, or another process that can improve efficiency.
At Insulation Machines, we often say we enjoy putting our customers on Cool Time. That means helping contractors work smarter through quality equipment, thoughtful organization, practical training, and time-saving techniques that improve productivity every day. The equipment by Cool Machines certainly plays an important role in that process. Designed for durability, ease of setup, and straightforward maintenance, these machines help contractors spend less time fighting equipment and more time getting work done.
We would like to sincerely thank Dan Guse and the entire Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin team for another outstanding visit. We also appreciate the opportunity to test several headlamps alongside your crew. Your honest feedback will help us as we share those results in an upcoming video.
The CoolVac23 insulation removal vacuum, CM2400 insulation blower, and Internal Wetting System (IWS) by Cool Machines are all available through Insulation Machines, along with on-site training, technical support, and customer service long after the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insulation removal vacuums does Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin use?
Their fleet includes one of the original CoolVac12 insulation removal vacuums, powered by a VCT engine, along with a newer CoolVac23 — both by Cool Machines. The two units can be daisy-chained together to increase suction on larger removal jobs.
What insulation blower does Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin use for installation?
They use the CM2400 insulation blower by Cool Machines, equipped with the Internal Wetting System (IWS).
What is the Internal Wetting System (IWS) and what does it do?
The IWS introduces moisture at the hose during insulation installation, which dramatically reduces airborne cellulose dust and creates a cleaner, safer jobsite.
Why would an experienced insulation contractor request additional training?
Even seasoned crews benefit from efficiency training. Home Energy Solutions of Wisconsin’s crew already knew how to install and remove insulation — they wanted to get faster at equipment setup, hose and accessory organization, and material handling to save time across every job.
Can two insulation removal vacuums be used together on one job?
Yes — Cool Machines vacuums like the CoolVac12 and CoolVac23 can be daisy-chained together, combining suction power for more demanding removal work.
How durable is Cool Machines equipment?
Many early Cool Machines products remain in daily use throughout North America. The equipment is built for straightforward repairs using standard toolbox tools, whether serviced in the field or in the shop, which helps contractors minimize downtime.
What ongoing support does Insulation Machines provide after a purchase?
Insulation Machines provides on-site training, technical support, and customer service long after the initial sale — including follow-up visits like this one to help crews improve efficiency over time.
