How to Save Energy by Insulating Air Leaks

The cumulative total of all heating and air conditioning lost through the average home's air leaks is equal to that lost through an open window. With the costs of electricity on the rise, it has become crucially important to save energy by insulating air leaks associated with windows, doors and air ducts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Fiberglass or environmentally friendly insulation
• Caulk
• Caulk gun
• Energy Star windows and doors
• Doorsill
• Door sweep

1. Replace or increase the amount of insulation in your walls. You can use traditional fiberglass insulation or look for new environmentally friendly alternatives. You may be able to save more energy by insulating your home from air leaks with cellulose-fiber insulation.
2. Detect and treat drafts around your windows. These are among the most common types of drafts in a home. Use a waterproof caulk and a caulking gun or simple weather stripping to seal any air leaks you may detect around a window's frame or sill.
3. Replace older windows with ones that offer greater protection from air leaks. Windows marked with the government's Energy Star designation are ideal for insulating your home. The durable materials used in Energy Star window frames provide greater protection against air leaks.
4. Install a radiant barrier to prevent your home from losing heat or air conditioning to drafts. Also known as reflective insulation, this form of metallic foil can make a substantial difference in your energy costs.
5. Seal drafts that occur around exterior doors. Along with windows, exterior doors contribute greatly to the problem of air leaks. Install a doorsill, weather stripping or a door sweep to prevent air from being lost in the cracks around your door frames.

Tips & Warnings

• While it's important to keep climate-controlled air from leaking your house, it's equally important to prevent hot air from an attic or crawl space from entering your living areas. Install an attic fan to vent hot air that collects in an attic throughout the day. To save extra energy, consider installing a solar-powered attic fan.
• You may need the help of a construction professional to detect and repair air leaks concealed within your walls. This is especially important for leaks in air-duct systems.