Air Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR : ENERGY STAR
Sealing and insulating the “envelope” or “shell” of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. ENERGY STAR estimates that a knowledgeable homeowner or skilled contractor can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating.Sealing Leaks
Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel — like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a great impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills.Homeowners are often concerned about sealing their house too tightly;
however, this is very unlikely in most older homes. A certain amount of
fresh air is needed for good indoor air quality and there are
specifications that set the minimum amount of fresh air needed for a
house. If you are concerned about how tight your home is, hire a
contractor, such as a Home Energy Rater, who can use diagnostic tools to measure your home’s actual leakage. If your home is too tight, a fresh air ventilation system may be recommended.
Colorado Springs homes for sale are subject to a multitude of environmental elements. We have a lot of sun, hail, rampant temperature changes….and wind. And depending on where your home is located, the wind can claim a lot of your spare change through utility bills. Sealing window and door leaks will not only save you money, but will also make your life much more enjoyable when the Springs is experiencing one of its infamous blizzards. This is an inexpensive project that will pay back dividends for years to come, and you can have the piece of mind that you’re doing something responsible for the environment. And as an added bonus, you might just decrease bug and/or spider invaders as well! Which always makes for a more pleasant home environment.
