Whether you live in a hot or cold part of the country, one of the best ways to improve energy efficiency and comfort is to make sure the shell of your home - the outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors - is properly sealed and insulated. Many homes have air leaks and insufficient insulation which means it takes more energy to heat and cool the home. An ENERGY STAR estimate shows that homeowners
who undertake a sealing and insulating project can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Before adding insulation, a home should be inspected for air leaks. Some leaks, like those around windows and doors are easy to find. However the bigger problems are often the harder to find holes in attics, basements, and crawlspaces. All leaks found should be sealed with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping. If your house has forced-air heating and cooling, check the seals of any exposed ducts in attics, basements, crawlspaces and garages, and fix leaks with duct sealant.
Once the air leaks have been remedied, then it is time to add the insulation. Insulation comes in many forms, including fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. Before choosing a type of insulation you need to determine the insulation R-value you need for your area. The R-value rates the ability of the insulation to resist heat flow, with higher numbers being the most resistant.
View the Department of Energy fact sheet to find the recommended R-value insulation for your area.
Visit the ENERGY STAR website for information on any of the following issues...
- Home improvement projects
- Common home problems
- Home energy audits
- Air seal & insulation projects
- Efficient heating & cooling systems
- Available tax credits for improving or building an energy efficient home
Please contact us with your questions, comments and referrals.
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With our highest regard,
Wayne and Lynda Gomillion
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