When replacing an existing heating and cooling system, it’s important to first consider the limitations imposed by your current system. Of course, it is possible to install virtually any heating and cooling system in any house, but the cost and aesthetic impacts may be unacceptable for you. When selecting a heating and cooling system for [...]
Posts under ‘Home Energy Savings’
How to air seal your home
Before deciding on how to air seal your house, you need to understand how the air escapes. Air comes into and out of your home through every possible holes and cracks. You can find out your home’s air tightness by letting in smoke from a smoke pen placed outside of your windows and doors on [...]
Should I Insulate My Home?
Insulate your home when: You have an older home and haven’t added insulation. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer—adding insulation creates a more uniform temperature and increases comfort. You build a new home, addition, or install new siding or [...]
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
Checking your home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars. A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside hot or cold temperatures, protect it against [...]
Consider moisture and air leakage control
When installing a slab foundation and insulating it, it’s also important to consider moisture and air leakage control, as well as termite control. Termites can tunnel undetected through exterior slab insulation to gain access to the wood framing in a home’s walls. As a result, some insurance companies won’t guarantee homes with slab insulation against [...]
Slab-On-Grade Foundation Insulation Techniques
Slab insulation can be installed using one of two basic techniques: Installing rigid insulation, typically foam board, directly against the exterior of the slab and footing Building a “contained” or “floating” slab with interior rigid insulation, typically foam board. If insulation is installed on the exterior of the slab: Install it from the top of [...]
Determining Insulation R-Value and Depth
The International Energy Conservation Code Council (IECC) specifies both the R-value and minimum distance for the insulation from the top of the slab downward based on a locality’s Heating Degree Days (HDDs). Consult your local weather bureau for your area’s actual Heating Degree Days. Then use the table below to find the IECC’s recommended depth [...]
Slab-On-Grade Foundation Insulation
Properly insulating your slab-on-grade floors not only will help you save on energy bills, but also will improve your home’s comfort. Cold concrete slabs can be a source of discomfort in a home. An insulated slab reduces heat loss, making it easier to heat. This reduction in heat loss helps moderate indoor temperatures. Annual Energy [...]
Insulating a Ventilated Crawl Space
Here are some guidelines to follow for insulating a ventilated crawl space: 1. Carefully seal any and all holes in the floor above (“ceiling” of the crawl space) to prevent air from blowing up into the house. 2. Insulate between the floor joists with rolled fiberglass. Install it tight against the subfloor. Seal all of [...]
Steps for Installing Underfloor Insulation
1. During the early phases of construction, the builder should inform all subcontractors (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) that they need to keep the space between the floor joists as clear as possible. Run drain lines, electrical wiring, and ductwork below the bottom of the insulation so that a continuous layer of insulation can be installed. [...]