Insulation: Not always the only solution to saving on fuel bills

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“Gee, if I add more insulation or, even better, have my contractor install more, I will save money on my fuel bills, right?”

Not necessarily. First, there is a science to proper insulation and adding more insulation is not always better. Second, adding more will help, but the key to saving measurable amounts of energy is to incorporate air sealing with your insulation jobs.

AIR SEALING

This is the most important part to any weatherization project. Air Sealing involves a process of identifying where air comes into and escapes from your home. Cold air enters your basement and home through the rim joists, doors, windows, electrical and plumbing penetration, etc. As the air warms up, it rise through the house and escapes through the attic (partition plates, chimney chases, attic hatches, etc.), taking your energy dollars with it. During the summer, warm air travels into your home from the attic, windows, and doors, making your home’s air conditioners work harder, thus costing you more money.

Here is how to air seal you home:

1. Identify the air leaks.
2. Seal areas with leaks using expandable foams for attic and basement areas and caulking for the smaller areas, which include the spaces around doors and windows.
3. Add weather stripping to doors and attic hatches.
4. Install attic domes over pull-down attic stairs and whole-house fans. Recessed lights use a great deal of energy and must either be covered and sealed in the attic (cheapest and most effective) or replaced with airtight AC-rated recessed-light fixtures. Recessed lights are like having holes in your ceilings, letting the heat rise though them into the attic, taking your hard-earned dollars along with it.