Energy Star Air Sealing Attic

Your biggest savings will come from plugging the large ones.

Energy star air sealing attic. The projects recommended in this guide can usually be completed in a day or two and will provide beneits for years to come. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to the basement or crawlspace can yield substantial benefits if done correctly. In the past year i ve been on an energy hog hunt in my house and landed on air sealing my attic before adding blown insulation. Seal and insulate with energy star.

I was a bit shocked at the 1 500 2 500 contractor estimates for attic sealing. While these improvements are generally considered moderate to difficult do it yourself diy projects whether you are a homeowner or a qualified home performance contractor. I m all about diy when it saves me time or money. Sealing the attic hatch or door finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking weather stripping.

This makes a home feel drafty and contributes to higher energy bills. The attic is usually where you can find some of the largest opportunities to save energy in your home. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient and provide up to a 10 savings on your annual energy bills. Seal these with foam.

A do it yourself guide to sealing and insulating with energy star. Pay special attention to all the duct penetrations going through the attic fl oor. Check the duct connections for leaks by turning on your heating and cooling system fan and feeling for leaks seal the joints with mastic or foil tape household duct tape should not be used. Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks.

Sealing and insulating are often the most cost effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient and you can do it yourself with guidance from energy star. Once in the attic refer to your sketch to locate the areas where leakage is likely to be greatest. Use this guide to. Simple fixes include installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows while bigger jobs might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic.

Determine if your attic insulation is adequate and learn how to add more. The stops provide a wider surface for attaching the weatherstrip and a space to mount hook and eye fasteners. My cost was under 150 and it took me less than a day. After sealing attic air leaks complete the job by sealing basement leaks to stop the chimney effect.

Where walls inner and outer meet the attic floor dropped soffits dropped ceiling areas and behind or under attic kneewalls. Attic air sealing and adding insulation are do it yourself projects if your attic is accessible and not too dificult to move around in. Plug the big holes first. As hot air generated by the furnace rises up through the house and into the attic through leaks cold outside air gets drawn in through basement leaks to replace the displaced air.

Combined with attic insulation air sealing can help to alleviate the formation of dangerous ice dams in the winter.