Home Sealing is a process recommended by EPA to help increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home by improving the “envelope”—the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floors.
To improve the envelope of your home:
Sealing air leaks and properly installing insulation in your home has many benefits:
If you add up all the hidden air leaks in your home, they can equal a hole the size of an open window—and can lead to a higher energy bill.
There are many ways to fix air leaks, such as caulking, using spray foam, and weather stripping for closing smaller cracks and gaps. Plywood, drywall, and rigid foam insulation may be used for plugging larger holes. Sheet metal and high-temperature caulking can be used to close gaps around chimneys and furnace flues.
Adding insulation can reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home and can help provide consistent comfort in every part of your home, especially when the outside temperatures are the most extreme. The most common types of insulation are cellulose, fiberglass, rigid foam, rock wool, and spray foam. And remember
it is important to seal air leaks before adding insulation.
Windows are an important part of the home envelope. If you are remodeling or building an addition, consider replacing old windows with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They can make you feel more comfortable, reduce UV damage to interior fabrics and can cut home heating and cooling costs.
ractor visit www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement. These professionals offer a range of services—everything from testing your home and identifying areas for improvement to actually making the energy-saving upgrades.
After air sealing, be sure to have a professional check your home’s ventilation and test combustion appliances to be sure they are properly venting.
For “handy” homeowners, there are do-it-yourself measures that you can take to improve your home’s envelope. Sealing air leaks hidden in the attic and basement and adding insulation in the attic are low-cost, easy ways to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home yourself.
Source: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency