| Go Deeper ... |
| INSULATION FACT SHEET for EXISTING homes from Oak Ridge National Laboratories | ||
| THE online handbook for insulating an existing home. You'll find advice on what to look for, air sealing, moisture and ventilation, installing insulation, and tips for hiring a contractor. Be sure to check out Figure 1, WHERE TO INSULATE, as you read about attics, basements, walls and floors. | ||
| INSULATION FACT SHEET for NEW homes from Oak Ridge National Laboratories | ||
| As they say, DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. From Energy-Efficient Mortgages to how to avoid moisture and ventilation problems to design options you'll want to discuss with your contractor, this will add value to your dream house. | ||
| WHAT KIND OF INSULATION IS BEST from Oak Ridge National Laboratories | ||
| More from the INSULATION FACT SHEET, this primer on insulation types lays out the choices, then gives advice based on your needs and situation. | ||
| Buyer's guide to GREEN INSULATION | ||
| Find out the pros and cons of insulation, with application tips for each and where they stand in "green" terms: use of resources, recyceability, use of HCFCs, air quality concerns and moisture issues. | ||
| Insulation Basics |
) The Envelope:
First, It's about drafts, those annoying little air flows that make a home less comfortable AND make it cost more to heat and cool. Your energy audit, whether professional or done by you, should include a list of those drafts. Plugging them is your first line of energy defense.
Seal the Leaks! Caulk, foam sealant and weather stripping are your first line of defense against air leaks. If you've never used these tools, here are some simple "how to" videos that'll show you, well, how to ...
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| Energy Star walks you through the home sealing process | ||
| Start here and click the next topic at the bottom of each page to find the next areas to seal. There are six click-throughs, and they'll take you from the attic to the basement with duct-work in between. | ||
| VIDEO: A caulking primer | ||
| Learn to caulk leaks, no experience necessary. The explanation detail in this video is very helpful. | ||
| VIDEO: Seal up air leaks around windows, doors, and other common drafty areas | ||
| A handy list of problem areas where you can practice your caulking sealing and weather stripping skills to save bucks! | ||
| VIDEO: Using expanding foam sealant on larger holes and leaks | ||
Plug the Drafts!
Inexpensive draft stops are available online or at your local hardware store. Here are a few simple but effective air blocks you might want to consider:
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How much insulation is enough?
The U.S. government's Energy Star program, which puts a premium on home modification that combines product efficiency and conservation practices, has produced a map and a simple chart to answer that question. The Department of Energy has weighed in with specifics based on your ZIP CODE. Choose your preference ... |
How Much Can You Save with Insulation? |
| Reference Corner |
 R-value measures a material's resistance to heat loss. The higher the R-value of your insulation, the more effective it will be. |
) Check the map for your location, then find the recommended R-values for each part of your house. (Click map to enlarge.) |