Ideas for Saving a Bundle on Energy Use at Home - Insulation and Windows
Nov 28, 2009 Real Estate
Top Sites For Real Estate:
Insulation
The primary areas in your home that should be well insulated are the walls, attic and floors. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project under way:
* Does your home need added insulation material? Generally, if there is less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, it would be a good idea add extra insulating material to achieve the proper levels. If none exists in the floors or walls, adding insulation is definitely recommended.
* You will need to determine whether you want to perform the insulation project yourself or to hire a professional instead. Take into consideration that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other home improvement projects.
* If you would prefer to have a contractor perform the work, be sure to get several bids. Only employ a bonded and properly licensed professional.
* If you do the job as a DIY project, follow installation instructions carefully and follow pertinent safety precautions.
* When buying insulation, check the R-value. It shows the efficiency of insulation. The higher the R-value the more effective the insulation.
* Determine the type of insulating material you need. There are numerous insulation products available including sprayed foam, rigid insulation, fiberglass, mineral wool/rock wool, and cellulose. The type of material will largely depend on the section of the house to be insulated. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help determine the best insulation R-value and type of insulation for your project.
Windows
The thermal efficiency of windows is rated by the U-value. This numeric value specifies the window’s ability to insulate. The lower the number, the more efficient the window is at preventing the transfer of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass panes, the amount of of air space between the panes and the design of the window frame. A few tips include:
* Check windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, damaged wood, loose putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.
* For a quick but temporary fix before winter hits, you can purchase storm-window kits constructed of plastic sheeting that you tape to the interior of your windows. The kits are usually available at most hardware stores for $5 to $10 per window. They normally last from two to four years.
* You can cut down the loss of heat through windows by putting insulating curtains or drapes on the window’s interior. This should help reduce heat loss during the winter and keep cool air in during heat waves.
* In the winter retract the curtains when the sun is shining to allow passive solar heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or install an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.
* During the warmer months, when possible, open a few windows in the evenings and early in the morning when there is a gentle breeze. Opening a window on opposite sides of your home will aid in the flow of air and provide improved cooling.
Caulking & Weather-stripping
In addition to ineffective insulation, air leaks are among the largest causes of energy waste in homes.
* Check your house for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to detect air movement. Secure all doors, windows and fireplace flues and switch off all ventilating fans to make any air leakage easier to locate.
* Caulk is best used on areas that are less than 1/4″ wide. If possible, use caulks that will stay flexible over a long period of years. If it can be seen, select a tinted caulk or one that will accept paint..
* If there are large cracks and voids shielded from sunlight and water, apply expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please buy only materials labeled as ozone safe.
* Backer rod or crack filler, is a elastic foam product sold in lengthy coils, with a variety of available diameters. It comes in handy when sealing larger gaps. It also can be used as backing in deep cracks that are to be finished with ordinary caulk.
* Place insulating material behind electrical outlets and switches - areas that are often overlooked.
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a broad range of subjects. 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, Prince George, Virginia, area homes for sale.
Related Articles
Tags: caulking, Energy Costs, energy efficient windows, home improvement, Home Insulation, homes, insulating a house, insulating windows, Real Estate, reducing energy waste, saving energy
Leave a Reply