PrintCheck Your Fill, Lower Your Bill
If your home is like most that are more than a few years old, it is probably under-insulated. In fact, over 60% of homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. This is your opportunity to make it more comfortable, energy efficient and save up to 30% on heating and air conditioning bills.
Becoming more energy efficient could also contribute to your home's resale value. It has been estimated that for every $1 of energy saved, your home value appreciates $20 at resale. And 55% of Americans are willing to pay more for energy-efficient home features.
Where to start.
Checking your current attic insulation depth is a good first step. You need up to 19 inches (or R-49). If you don't have enough, it may be an indication that your home is under-insulated and may not be properly sealed. Adding insulation to under-insulated areas and sealing air leaks are the fastest, easiest ways to help you lower your energy bill.
Locating Under-Insulated Areas
There are several key areas that are often uninsulated or under-insulated. Because they allow cold or unconditioned air to pass through, maintaining a comfortable temperature requires more energy, creating higher bills.
Check these areas for the opportunity to add insulation. It can lower your bills and keep the house quieter, too.
- Attic - slide a yardstick or tape measure into the existing insulation. If it is not up to 19" deep, add more to lower your bills.
- Basement - check rim joists and basement walls.
- Crawl spaces - check between floor joists if vented, and check perimeter walls if unvented. Ground should be covered with a 6 mil polyethylene sheet.
- Exterior walls and floors - check by removing an electrical outlet cover. Turn off the electricity first!
- Garage - Check garage walls and ceilings that are adjacent to conditioned spaces in the house.
- Knee walls - check behind kneewalls.
Avoid the "Chimney Effect"
In cold weather, warm air is continually rising. Leaks into the attic allow the expensive, heated air to escape into the attic, while at the same time drawing in cold air to displace it from the basement or other exterior leaks. This continuous air movement makes the home feel drafty and raises energy bills. By sealing attic air leaks, you plug the escape route of rising air and effectively stop the chimney effect.
Check around your attic for these common sources of attic air leaks.
- Between floor joists behind kneewalls
- Attic hatch
- Wiring holes
- Plumbing vents
- Open soffit (the box that hides recessed lights and the finished space above cabinets)
- Recessed lights
- Furnace flue
See our Insulation Projects for more information on how to insulate your attic.
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