Building Green Homes

     Doors, windows, walls, ceilings, and even flooring are areas where too much air can be escaping and cause heating and cooling bills to rise dramatically.  Sealing cracks and using high quality insulation is often the most effective way at reducing energy loss.  Replacing windows, doors, and skylights with energy-efficient products on the market, like double-paned windows, low-E coating windows, solar control coating windows etc. can greatly impact energy efficiency.  Caulking and weatherstripping around windows can reduce air leakage, and adding window treatments can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. 

     

     Most homeowners recognize air loss as “draft” areas in their homes.  In most homes the most significant air leaks are in the basement and attic, the areas people spend the least amount of time.  In the winter the hot air homeowners paid to heat rises and is sucked out through the attic and the cracks in windows and doors.  Common areas for air leaks are behind kneewalls, the attic hatch, wiring holes, plumbing vents, windows, doors, and recessed lighting.[1]  If you add up all the small air leaks in the home it can be the equivalent of leaving an entire window open!  There are so many places air can leak, discovering these areas and taking the proper steps to prevent air leaks can help reduce the energy bill. 

 

 

[1] Energy Star, "A Do-It Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star", Aug. 2007