Insulating and Sealing Your Home

Did you know that Energy Star states that “Sealing and insulating the “envelope” or “shell” of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort.”  Also, homeowners can save up to 20% on cooling and heating costs with sealing and insulation.  Insulation is like a blanket that helps to keep warm air inside during the winters, and during the summers, it keeps the cool air inside.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing

In this picture you can see common areas in the home where there is leakage.  Adding extra insulation or sealing off these areas will seriously increase your home’s efficiency.  The good news is that both sealing and insulation can be done yourself, or you can hire a professional to help with the tricky spots such as attics and tiny crawl spaces.  The equipment for this can be found at many hardware stores.  Professional contractors can inspect your home to find the largest areas of leakage in your specific home and then help to seal them.  However, It is important that the home is not too airtight because fresh air is necessary.  Contractors can also check for this as well (Energy Star).

If you are interested in learning more, please contact FLAME!