All About Home Insulation And Caulking
A drafty house and high utility bills are signs that your home could benefit from some insulation and caulking upgrades. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for more than half of the average home's utility costs.
Tighten Up and Save
Proper insulation creates a more comfortable home by not allowing air to seep in or out, and well-insulated houses stay warm during winter and cool during summer.
Here are several considerations:
- Existing conditions: Determine the effectiveness of existing insulation and where insulation is missing. Professional home energy auditors can pinpoint spots where energy is being lost.
Locate auditors
- Energy Star, http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=hp...
- Building Performance Institute, http://www.bpi.org/?gclid=CPboi5KDmcQCFcOGaQodwLQ...
- Residential Energy Services Network, http://www.resnet.us/
- Insulation types: Learn about insulation types, includingfiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam.
- Performance measures: Understand R-value (the insulation performance measure) http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_home_... and what is appropriate for your location and climate http://insulation.owenscorning.com/homeowners/ren...
Eliminate Drafts
Sealing and weatherstripping projects are perfect complements to insulation upgrades, and some projects can eliminate drafts.
Additional Strategies
- Doors- minimize door drafts with weatherstripping - familyhandyman.com/doors/weatherstripping-doo...
- Windows- use caulk or weatherstripping to seal window leaks, http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,112008...
- Drapes- depending on the climate, close or open drapes on sunny sides of your house, either to block or welcome the sun's heat
- Ducts- repair visible and accessible ducts with duct sealant, http://videos.hgtv.com/video/how-to-seal-ductwork...
Other Trouble Spots
- Mail chutes
- Electrical an gas service entrances
- Cable TV and phone lines
- Outdoor water faucets
- Space where dryer vents pass through walls
- Bricks, siding, stucco, and foundation
- Air conditioners
- Vents and fans
Calculate Costs and Savings
Project costs vary depending on climate, the scope of work, and whether you hire a professional. Also, look for Federal tax credits to offset project costs.
Find incentives and rebates at the Database for State Incentives on Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/)
REALTORS® who have earned the National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation (www.green.realtor/work-green-designee/find-member) can refer you to local experts who can assess your home's performance.
