This graph shows which structural air-leaks drive up energy costs the most, allowing you to maximize efforts toward reinforcing your home’s building envelope.
Your home’s attic usually has the largest opportunity for improving energy savings and comfort . Even homes that might be considered “newer” often have insufficient levels of insulation for our climate. If you’re considering adding insulation to your attic, the first and most important step is air sealing. Without it, you won’t get the full benefits of your insulation investment.
“Insulation is like a fuzzy wool sweater on a winter day. It will certainly keep you warm if the air is calm. But, if the wind picks up, you are going to need a windbreaker to keep the breeze from carrying away the heat. Air sealing is like adding the windbreaker. It keeps the conditioned air where it belongs.”
U S Department of Energy
If your home experiences any of these problems, it might be a good candidate for an attic air sealing project:
- Drafty rooms
- Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms
- High heating or cooling bills
- Dry indoor air in winter
- Dust (especially in rooms directly below the attic)
- Insects in your home
- Musty smells
Air leaks in most attics can surprisingly equal the size of a window open year round. Caulking and spraying canned foam are the most effective air sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less. Caulk is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components such as around door and window frames, and weatherstripping is used to seal components that move, such as doors and operable windows. Canned foam is used in larger gaps or penetrations. If you have canned (recessed) lights in the floor of your attic, they should be covered and sealed before adding insulation. The access to your attic, be it stairs, a pull-down ladder, or a simple hatch should be sealed and insulated as well.
At Weatherseal, we strongly encourage air sealing as the best practice in our industry. Our team of energy efficiency experts can locate the source of your leaks create a plan for sealing them before installing new insulation in your attic. Contact us to find out how we can save you 10-20% on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
The graph below shows which structural air-leaks drive up energy costs the most, allowing you to maximize efforts toward reinforcing your home’s building envelope.
This image comes from http://www.builderonline.com/energy-efficientconstruction/5-penetrations-that-provide-the-most-bang-for-your-air-sealing-buck.aspx
