Energy Star Air Sealing Attic

Use this guide to.

Energy star air sealing attic.

Pay special attention to all the duct penetrations going through the attic fl oor. A do it yourself guide to sealing and insulating with energy star. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings add 2 1 2 inch wide stops around the opening. Seal these with foam.

Plug the big holes first. The projects recommended in this guide can usually be completed in a day or two and will provide beneits for years to come. This makes a home feel drafty and contributes to higher energy bills. Your biggest savings will come from plugging the large ones.

The attic is usually where you can find some of the largest opportunities to save energy in your home. Once in the attic refer to your sketch to locate the areas where leakage is likely to be greatest. Determine if your attic insulation is adequate and learn how to add more. My cost was under 150 and it took me less than a day.

Sealing the attic hatch or door finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking weather stripping. Combined with attic insulation air sealing can help to alleviate the formation of dangerous ice dams in the winter. By air sealing in your attic you can stop many major air leaks and help to maintain the desired temperature throughout your home. Attic air sealing and adding insulation are do it yourself projects if your attic is accessible and not too dificult to move around in.

Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks. As hot air generated by the furnace rises up through the house and into the attic through leaks cold outside air gets drawn in through basement leaks to replace the displaced air. Check the duct connections for leaks by turning on your heating and cooling system fan and feeling for leaks seal the joints with mastic or foil tape household duct tape should not be used. I m all about diy when it saves me time or money.

Sealing and insulating are often the most cost effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient and you can do it yourself with guidance from energy star. While these improvements are generally considered moderate to difficult do it yourself diy projects whether you are a homeowner or a qualified home performance contractor. I was a bit shocked at the 1 500 2 500 contractor estimates for attic sealing. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to the basement or crawlspace can yield substantial benefits if done correctly.

Seal and insulate with energy star. Where walls inner and outer meet the attic floor dropped soffits dropped ceiling areas and behind or under attic kneewalls. After sealing attic air leaks complete the job by sealing basement leaks to stop the chimney effect. Don t worry about finding and sealing all the little holes in your attic.

Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient and provide up to a 10 savings on your annual energy bills.