Air leaks are one of the most common sources of home energy waste. The EPA estimates that air leaks can account for up to 15% of the average homeowner’s heating and cooling costs.
The first step in reducing your energy bill is to identify and seal those gaps and cracks that are allowing air to enter or exit your home. This will help save money and make your home more comfortable and healthy.
Insulation
Whether you live in an old or new home, it is vital to have proper insulation installed. This will help to keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer, while also reducing your energy bills.
Insulation consists of various materials that are used to reduce the flow of thermal energy in buildings. It helps to keep the temperature of a house comfortable and will decrease your energy bill by making it easier for your heating and cooling systems to operate.
Insulation can be made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose, and mineral wool. It is typically installed through the use of batts, rolls, or loose-fill.
Windows
Window energy efficiency is crucial for the environment, as heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for 25%-30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy use. Replacing old windows with new ENERGY STAR energy efficient models can save you money and reduce carbon emissions.
They also help improve the indoor climate by reducing condensation, which can cause streaks and puddles of water in kitchens and bathrooms. Plus, they block out the sun’s UV rays that can fade fabrics and other belongings.
To maximize energy savings, choose windows with low U-factors and solar heat gain coefficients (SHGCs). ENERGY STAR certified products include these ratings on the energy performance label.
Doors
There are many things you can do to improve your home’s energy efficiency. But one of the most important is sealing your home’s envelope to reduce air leaks.
A well-sealed home can save you up to 10% on your utility bills. To get started, hire a residential registered contractor who can check your home for air tightness and provide recommendations for sealing leaks.
EPA estimates that an average home with poorly sealed areas can lose up to 15% of its total energy usage from air leaks.
Newer doors often fit better and insulate more efficiently than older ones, reducing energy loss through drafts. They also typically come with tighter frames and double-pane insulating glass to limit the transfer of heat.
Adding insulation to attics, floors over crawl spaces, and basements can further reduce air leakage. In addition, caulking and weatherstripping can reduce air leakage around windows and doors.
Attic
Air sealing your home’s attic is an essential step to improving energy efficiency. This is a cost-effective way to improve the comfort of your home, reduce heating and cooling bills, keep contaminants such as moisture, dust and pests from entering the house, and minimize moisture-related damage.
The best place to start is with the perimeter of your attic floor. Look for any air leaks around walls (inner and outer), dropped soffits, kneewalls, and recessed lights.
Once you’ve identified the leaks, seal them with caulk or expandable foam spray. Generally, caulk is enough to seal small gaps (up to 1/4 inch), but for larger holes, spray foam may be the better option.