Guidelines for Saving a Bundle on Energy Use at Home - Insulation and Windows
Author: Jim Navary |
Insulation
Insulation
The essential areas in your home to insulate are the walls, attic and floors. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project moving in the right direction:
* Does your home need added insulation material? As a rule of thumb, if you have less than three inches of insulation in the attic, you should probably add extra insulation to achieve the appropriate levels. If you discover that there is no insulation in the walls and/or floors, adding insulation is definitely recommended.
* First, you will have to determine whether you want to perform the insulation work yourself or to use a professional instead. Take into consideration that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other household projects.
* If you would rather have a contractor perform the work, make sure you get several bids. Only hire a bonded and properly licensed professional.
* If you tackle the job as a DIY project, be sure to follow installation instructions thoroughly and follow appropriate safety precautions.
* When buying insulating material, check the R-value. This specifies the efficiency of insulation. The larger the R-value the more effective the insulation.
* Decide what type of insulating material you need. There are many different types of insulation materials available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The choice of material will mainly depend on the part of the home you are insulating. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help establish the best type of insulating material and R-value you need.
Windows
The thermal efficiency of windows is rated by the U-value. This numeric value indicates the window's insulating ability. The lower the U-value, the more effective the window is at minimizing the transmission of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass layers, the amount of of air space between the layers and the materials used in the window frame. A few tips include:
* Inspect windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, rotten wood, loose putty, defective sashes, and air leakage.
* For a quick but temporary fix before cold weather hits, you can buy storm-window kits consisting of plastic film that you attach to the inside of your windows. Insulating kits are available at most home improvement stores for $5 to $10 per window. They usually last from two to four years.
* You can cut down heat transfer through windows by putting insulated curtains or draperies on the inside of the window. This should help reduce heat loss during cold weather and reduce radiant heat during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter retract the curtains during hours of sunlight to allow passive solar heating, and, during the summer keep the windows covered or attach an ultraviolet film to reduce the sun's effect.
* During the warmer months, when possible, open two or more windows during nighttime and in the early hours of the morning when there is a cool breeze. Opening a window on each side of your home will aid in air circulation and offer better cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to inadequate insulation, air leaks are among the leading reasons for energy loss in homes.
* Inspect your house for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to detect air movement. Close all doors, windows and fireplace flues and turn off any ventilating fans to make any air leaks easier to locate.
* Caulking is most useful on openings that are smaller than 1/4" wide. If available, use caulks that will stay flexible over a long number of years. If it will be visible, pick a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* When there are substantial gaps and missing pieces shielded from sunlight and water, try expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please only buy materials labeled as ozone safe.
* Backer rod or crack filler, is a flexible foam material sold in lengthy coils, with a number of different diameters available. It can be useful in sealing large cracks. It also can provide backing in deep spaces that are to be finished with ordinary caulking.
* Place insulating material behind electrical outlets and wall switches - openings that are often unnoticed.
Insulation
The essential areas in your home to insulate are the walls, attic and floors. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project moving in the right direction:
* Does your home need added insulation material? As a rule of thumb, if you have less than three inches of insulation in the attic, you should probably add extra insulation to achieve the appropriate levels. If you discover that there is no insulation in the walls and/or floors, adding insulation is definitely recommended.
* First, you will have to determine whether you want to perform the insulation work yourself or to use a professional instead. Take into consideration that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other household projects.
* If you would rather have a contractor perform the work, make sure you get several bids. Only hire a bonded and properly licensed professional.
* If you tackle the job as a DIY project, be sure to follow installation instructions thoroughly and follow appropriate safety precautions.
* When buying insulating material, check the R-value. This specifies the efficiency of insulation. The larger the R-value the more effective the insulation.
* Decide what type of insulating material you need. There are many different types of insulation materials available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The choice of material will mainly depend on the part of the home you are insulating. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help establish the best type of insulating material and R-value you need.
Windows
The thermal efficiency of windows is rated by the U-value. This numeric value indicates the window's insulating ability. The lower the U-value, the more effective the window is at minimizing the transmission of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass layers, the amount of of air space between the layers and the materials used in the window frame. A few tips include:
* Inspect windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, rotten wood, loose putty, defective sashes, and air leakage.
* For a quick but temporary fix before cold weather hits, you can buy storm-window kits consisting of plastic film that you attach to the inside of your windows. Insulating kits are available at most home improvement stores for $5 to $10 per window. They usually last from two to four years.
* You can cut down heat transfer through windows by putting insulated curtains or draperies on the inside of the window. This should help reduce heat loss during cold weather and reduce radiant heat during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter retract the curtains during hours of sunlight to allow passive solar heating, and, during the summer keep the windows covered or attach an ultraviolet film to reduce the sun's effect.
* During the warmer months, when possible, open two or more windows during nighttime and in the early hours of the morning when there is a cool breeze. Opening a window on each side of your home will aid in air circulation and offer better cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to inadequate insulation, air leaks are among the leading reasons for energy loss in homes.
* Inspect your house for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to detect air movement. Close all doors, windows and fireplace flues and turn off any ventilating fans to make any air leaks easier to locate.
* Caulking is most useful on openings that are smaller than 1/4" wide. If available, use caulks that will stay flexible over a long number of years. If it will be visible, pick a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* When there are substantial gaps and missing pieces shielded from sunlight and water, try expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please only buy materials labeled as ozone safe.
* Backer rod or crack filler, is a flexible foam material sold in lengthy coils, with a number of different diameters available. It can be useful in sealing large cracks. It also can provide backing in deep spaces that are to be finished with ordinary caulking.
* Place insulating material behind electrical outlets and wall switches - openings that are often unnoticed.
Information:
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a broad range of subjects. He is also a licensed real estate agent in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Prince George, Virginia, area homes for sale.
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