Insulation

Building codes have changed in the last 20 years, and your home may not meet today’s energy efficiency standards. In fact, only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. To improve you’re your home’s energy efficiency and lessen the likelihood of high energy bills, you may want to consider insulating your home or re-roofing if you have an older house or experience high temperature extremes indoors in the summer and winter.

Most U.S. homes should have between R-22 and R-49 insulation in the attic. New homes or additions may likely have different requirements for exterior walls. By insulating ceilings, walls, attics, floors, and crawl spaces to recommended standards, you can cut your heating and cooling dollars by 5% to 25%.

First, test for air leaks by holding a lit incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches, and other locations prime for potential drafts. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have found an air leak that may need caulking, sealing, or weather stripping.

Seal your home’s envelope – walls, floor, ceiling, and roof; weather strip around windows and doors; use caulking to seal around ducts, plumbing, and any other smaller opening to minimize air leakage; and seal larger gaps with expanding foam.

After air sealing, determine the current level of insulation in your attic. If your attic has enough insulation, but your home still feels too hot or too cold, you may need to add insulation to your exterior walls.

For more information about insulating your home, visit www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/ or www.flexyourpower.org

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