5 Considerations on Home Insulation
A well insulated home provides energy efficiency to keep you comfortable year round. Plus, proper insulation saves you money on energy costs. If you’re house is feeling drafty or you’re looking for ways to save on utilities, here are five considerations on home insulation and caulking.
1. 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:
2. Where to insulate. Walls and attics are common places to add insulation. Don’t overlook other spots, including basement walls, floors above unheated garages, and in between interior walls. According to the Insulation Institute, it’s important to create a consistent wrap around a home — a “thermal envelope,” with no penetrations.
3. Insulation types. Learn about insulation types, including fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam here.
4. Performance measures. R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the insulation R-value, the greater the insulating power.
See the R-value U.S. Map to find the R-value appropriate for your climate.
5. DIY strategies. Eliminating drafts through sealing and weatherstripping projects are perfect complements to insulation upgrades.
• Doors: Minimize drafts through weatherstripping. See here.
• Windows: Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping. See here.
• Drapes: Adjust drapes on the sunny side of your house to either block or welcome the sun’s heat.
• Ducts: Repair visible, accessible ducts with duct sealant. See here.
Also check and seal openings around mail chutes, vents and fans, electrical and gas service entrances, cable TV and phone lines, outdoor water faucets, and spaces where dryer vents pass through walls.
Financial Incentives
Though Federal tax credits for insulation upgrades have expired, check the Database for State Incentives on Renewables and Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org) to search for any local incentives.
Looking for more energy efficiency tips?
Check out more of our Green Building tips here. Lauren is a GREEN designee, meaning she is passionate about helping clients buy, sell, and upgrade their homes by making environmentally conscious choices. She knows the value of green features and how best to market them for your green home listing. Call or email us to learn more about the value of green home features. Looking for a solar powered home? Search here.