Energy Star Air Sealing Attic

Attic air sealing and adding insulation are do it yourself projects if your attic is accessible and not too dificult to move around in.

Energy star air sealing attic.

A do it yourself guide to sealing and insulating with energy star. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to the basement or crawlspace can yield substantial benefits if done correctly. The projects recommended in this guide can usually be completed in a day or two and will provide beneits for years to come. My cost was under 150 and it took me less than a day.

Use this guide to. I was a bit shocked at the 1 500 2 500 contractor estimates for attic sealing. Simple fixes include installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows while bigger jobs might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic. Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks.

Don t worry about finding and sealing all the little holes in your attic. Once in the attic refer to your sketch to locate the areas where leakage is likely to be greatest. After sealing attic air leaks complete the job by sealing basement leaks to stop the chimney effect. Sealing the attic hatch or door finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking weather stripping.

While these improvements are generally considered moderate to difficult do it yourself diy projects whether you are a homeowner or a qualified home performance contractor. By air sealing in your attic you can stop many major air leaks and help to maintain the desired temperature throughout your home. Combined with attic insulation air sealing can help to alleviate the formation of dangerous ice dams in the winter. The stops provide a wider surface for attaching the weatherstrip and a space to mount hook and eye fasteners.

As hot air generated by the furnace rises up through the house and into the attic through leaks cold outside air gets drawn in through basement leaks to replace the displaced air. Check the duct connections for leaks by turning on your heating and cooling system fan and feeling for leaks seal the joints with mastic or foil tape household duct tape should not be used. Where walls inner and outer meet the attic floor dropped soffits dropped ceiling areas and behind or under attic kneewalls. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings add 2 1 2 inch wide stops around the opening.

I m all about diy when it saves me time or money. Plug the big holes first. Seal these with foam. This makes a home feel drafty and contributes to higher energy bills.

Determine if your attic insulation is adequate and learn how to add more. In the past year i ve been on an energy hog hunt in my house and landed on air sealing my attic before adding blown insulation. Sealing and insulating are often the most cost effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient and you can do it yourself with guidance from energy star. Sealing air leaks around your home and adding insulation can help your home be more comfortable and energy efficient and provide up to a 10 savings on your annual energy bills.

The attic is usually where you can find some of the largest opportunities to save energy in your home.