Energy-Efficient Tips for Insulation and Air Infiltration

The single most important step in residential energy conservation is the installation of thermal insulation. To make sure your home is properly insulated, follow these tips:

• Check current insulation levels, and properly insulate a new or existing home. The Department of Energy's Home Energy Saver Web site* can help you find out how much insulation is needed in your region.
  * (look under "Insulation and Air Sealing" and click on "Tips from Energy Savers")
• Insulate ceilings, walls and floors over unconditioned crawl spaces.
• The recommended insulation level for most attics is R-38.
• Find the obvious places where air can sneak into your home, then make repairs to plug the leaks by caulking, weatherstripping, and using plastic covers.
• Also check some of the other major air leakage areas, including: air ducts; window sashes and frames; plumbing utilities and wall penetrations; furnace flues; attic entrances; wall outlets; and recessed light fixtures.
• Fireplaces should have tightly fitting dampers that can be closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Energy-Efficient Tips for Windows, and Doors

To make your windows and doors more energy efficient, follow these tips:

• Double-glazed windows (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) cut heat transfer by 40-50 percent. In extremely cold regions, triple glazing could be economically justified.
• Single-glazed windows should have storm windows. A wood or metal frame storm window provides a second thickness of glass and a layer of still air that reduces heat transmission markedly.
• Install storm doors at all entrances of the house.
• Weatherstrip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows to limit air leaks that could account for 15-30 percent of heating and cooling energy requirements.
• Keep the overhead door of an attached garage closed to block cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door between the house and garage.