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 Tagged ‘energy savers’
Using energy responsibly is a way to save the earth
Saving energy is great for the environment and using energy responsibly is a way to save the earth. Here are a few tips for saving energy. Choose windows that have double glazing and coatings to reduce heat from getting trapped in the house. This will decrease the need to blast the Air conditioner. Always buy [...]
Saving energy by driving less and combining errands
Saving energy is something we all need to think about. Not only is it good for the pocketbook (which is important in the tough economic times) but it also helps the environment by reducing the need to produce greater amounts of electricity and fossil fuels. Start with reducing the amount you drive. Fuel costs are [...]
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 [...]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Basement Insulation
In most cases, a basement with insulation installed in the exterior basement walls should be considered a conditioned space. Even in a house with an unconditioned basement, the basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside. This connection makes basement wall insulation preferable to insulating the basement ceiling. Compared to insulating [...]
Basement Insulation
A properly insulated basement can help reduce your energy costs. However, basement walls are one of the most controversial areas of a house to insulate and seal. You need to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages, not to mention moisture control. Annual Energy Savings The energy cost savings of basement wall insulation vary depending on [...]
Attic Hatch
An attic hatch or scuttle hole is simply a removable portion of the ceiling that allows entry to the attic. A scuttle hole is often located in a closet or main hallway. For air sealing, weatherstripping can be installed either on the hatch itself or on the inside of the trim or base where the [...]
Attic Access Insulation and Air Sealing
Adequately insulating and air sealing the access to an attic— especially to unconditioned attics—will help lower your heating and cooling bills. A home’s attic access, which could be an attic hatch, pull-down stairs, or a knee-wall door, often goes uninsulated. This gap in the attic insulation increases heat loss in the winter and heat gain [...]
Attic Insulation
Properly insulating and air sealing your attic will help reduce your energy bills. Attics are often one of the easiest places in a house to insulate, especially if you’d like to add insulation. Before insulating or deciding whether to add insulation to your attic, first see our information about adding insulation to an existing house [...]
Purpose of Ventilation
Your home needs ventilation—the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air—to reduce indoor pollutants, moisture, and odors. Contaminants such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, and radon can accumulate in poorly ventilated homes, causing health problems. Excess moisture in a home can generate high humidity levels. High humidity levels can lead to mold growth and structural [...]