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Practically everyone today is looking for ways to save on energy costs while becoming more energy efficient.
One of the mmost energy-efficient and cost-effective ways to lower energy bills, reduce uncomfortable cold drafts, and avoid potential moisture problems in the winter is to air-seal holes, cracks and openings in your home and then add insulation to stop the flow of heat through the walls and ceiling.
Here's how to do it:
Weatherstrip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent warm air from escaping out the top of your house.
Seal Holes in the attic that lead down inot the house, such as open wall tops and ducts, plumbing or electrical runs. Any hole that leads from a basement or crawlspace to an attice is a big energy water. Cover and seal these openings with spray foam and rigid foam board if necessary.
Seal holes with caulk or spray foam where pipes, wires, and vents enter or exit your home through walls. Be sure to check behind and under sinks!
Caulk window frames and door frames inside the home with clear or color-matched caulk to reduce drafts. Use long-lasting exterior caulk outside the home where a window or door frame meets brick, wood or siding.
Weather-strip doors and windows that do not seal tightly. Use foam gaskets around electrical outlets (under the plates) to reduce drafts.
There are many more steps either you or a contractor can take to improve the warmth and comfort of your home through air sealing and insulating. For more ideas on how to seal and insulate correctly, consult the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Home Sealing Do-It-Yourself guide.
--Source www.energstar.gov
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