Tips for Saving a Bundle on Energy Use at Home - Insulation and Windows
Tuesday, 24 November 2009 09:16 | 
Written by Jim Navary |
Insulation
Insulation
The essential areas in your home to insulate are the walls, floors and attic. To accomplish the project efficiently, here are a few things you should know:
* Does your home require more insulation material? Generally, if there is less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, it would be a good idea add additional insulation to achieve the proper levels. If you find that insulation has not been installed in the floors or walls, insulation is definitely recommended.
* You will need to determine whether you want to perform the insulation project yourself or to turn over the job to a professional instead. Keep in mind that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other DIY projects.
* If you'd like to have a contractor handle the job, be sure to get several bids. Only use a bonded and properly certified professional.
* If you tackle the job as a DIY project, be sure to follow installation instructions thoroughly and follow appropriate safety precautions.
* When buying insulation, check the R-value. This shows the effectiveness of insulation. The larger the R-value the better the insulation.
* Choose the type of insulating material you should use. There are a wide variety of insulating materials available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The choice of material will mainly depend on the part of the home to be insulated. You can ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help decide upon the best insulation R-value and type of insulation for your project.
Windows
Rating windows insulation value is measured by the U-value. This numeric value shows the window's ability to insulate. The lower the value, the better the window is at stopping the transmission of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass panes, the thickness of insulating space between the panes or layers and the type of window frame. A few tips include:
* Check windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, rotten wood, loose putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.
* For a quick but temporary fix before winter arrives, you can buy storm-window kits made of plastic sheeting that you attach to the interior of your windows. Insulating kits can normally be purchased at most building supply stores for $5 to $10 per window. They normally last from two to four years.
* You can reduce heat loss through windows by putting insulating curtains or draperies on the window's interior. This will help keep heat in during the winter and reduce radiant heat during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter open the curtains during hours of sunlight to allow passive solar heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or add an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.
* During the summer, when possible, open two or more windows at night and in the early hours of the morning when there is a gentle breeze. Opening a window on opposing sides of your home will improve the flow of air and provide improved cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to inadequate insulation, air leaks are among the largest causes of energy loss in homes.
* Examine your house for concealed air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to discover air movement. Shut all doors, windows and fireplace flues and turn off any ventilating fans to make any air movement easier to locate.
* Caulk is best used on openings that are smaller than 1/4" wide. When possible, use caulks that will remain flexible over a long number of years. If it can be seen, pick a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* If there are substantial gaps and holes shielded from sunlight and water, try expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please only use products labeled as safe for the environment.
* Crack filler or backer rod, is a elastic foam product sold in long coils, with a variety of available diameters. It can be used to seal larger voids. It also can be used as filler material in deep spaces that are to be topped off with ordinary caulk.
* Position insulation behind electric outlets and switches - openings that are often overlooked.
Insulation
The essential areas in your home to insulate are the walls, floors and attic. To accomplish the project efficiently, here are a few things you should know:
* Does your home require more insulation material? Generally, if there is less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, it would be a good idea add additional insulation to achieve the proper levels. If you find that insulation has not been installed in the floors or walls, insulation is definitely recommended.
* You will need to determine whether you want to perform the insulation project yourself or to turn over the job to a professional instead. Keep in mind that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other DIY projects.
* If you'd like to have a contractor handle the job, be sure to get several bids. Only use a bonded and properly certified professional.
* If you tackle the job as a DIY project, be sure to follow installation instructions thoroughly and follow appropriate safety precautions.
* When buying insulation, check the R-value. This shows the effectiveness of insulation. The larger the R-value the better the insulation.
* Choose the type of insulating material you should use. There are a wide variety of insulating materials available including fiberglass, cellulose, mineral wool/rock wool, rigid insulation and sprayed foam. The choice of material will mainly depend on the part of the home to be insulated. You can ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help decide upon the best insulation R-value and type of insulation for your project.
Windows
Rating windows insulation value is measured by the U-value. This numeric value shows the window's ability to insulate. The lower the value, the better the window is at stopping the transmission of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass panes, the thickness of insulating space between the panes or layers and the type of window frame. A few tips include:
* Check windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, rotten wood, loose putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.
* For a quick but temporary fix before winter arrives, you can buy storm-window kits made of plastic sheeting that you attach to the interior of your windows. Insulating kits can normally be purchased at most building supply stores for $5 to $10 per window. They normally last from two to four years.
* You can reduce heat loss through windows by putting insulating curtains or draperies on the window's interior. This will help keep heat in during the winter and reduce radiant heat during the dog days of summer.
* In the winter open the curtains during hours of sunlight to allow passive solar heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or add an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.
* During the summer, when possible, open two or more windows at night and in the early hours of the morning when there is a gentle breeze. Opening a window on opposing sides of your home will improve the flow of air and provide improved cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to inadequate insulation, air leaks are among the largest causes of energy loss in homes.
* Examine your house for concealed air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to discover air movement. Shut all doors, windows and fireplace flues and turn off any ventilating fans to make any air movement easier to locate.
* Caulk is best used on openings that are smaller than 1/4" wide. When possible, use caulks that will remain flexible over a long number of years. If it can be seen, pick a colored caulk or one that can be painted.
* If there are substantial gaps and holes shielded from sunlight and water, try expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please only use products labeled as safe for the environment.
* Crack filler or backer rod, is a elastic foam product sold in long coils, with a variety of available diameters. It can be used to seal larger voids. It also can be used as filler material in deep spaces that are to be topped off with ordinary caulk.
* Position insulation behind electric outlets and switches - openings that are often overlooked.
About the Author:
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Tri-Cities Area, Virginia, area properties for sale.
