There are many different things to keep in mind when it comes to maximizing the efficiency of your home. One of the most important things on this list is the weatherization of the home. Weatherizing a home can cut energy usage and, therefore, energy bills significantly for homeowners.
Not only can proper weatherization save a significant amount of energy consumption on an individual home level, it can also have a big impact on the total energy we’re collectively using. We thought we’d provide some helpful tips and thought-starters in a few blog posts.
· Ensure you have proper insulation throughout your home. Insulation can play a huge part in keeping your home energy efficient. Whether in the walls, ceilings/floors, around ductwork or water heaters, in the basement foundation or the attic, insulation reduces unwanted heat loss or gain inside your home. It’s one of the top factors that keeps your home comfortable, regardless of the season.
· Seal all doors and windows in your home. A great deal of energy can escape through cracks or gaps surrounding your doors and windows. During colder months, warm air from your HVAC system or other heat source can escape and cold air can get in through these cracks, causing your heating system to work much harder than it should to keep your house comfortable. The same can occur if you run a cooling system in the summer. Simple sealing with caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows can fight this energy loss greatly.
· Seal all ducts properly. If you have a heating system with ductwork, as many do, it’s imperative that these ducts are properly sealed. It is estimated that inefficient and improperly sealed ductwork can account for up to 20% of the energy loss in the home. Sealed air ducts will fight against this energy loss and keep your home comfortable. If you are sealing ducts yourself, be sure to use fiber-reinforced mastic, not just standard duct tape, as it is not suitable for this job.
· Protect pipes from corrosion and freezing. Properly taking care of your home’s plumbing can play a big role in the “whole-house” weatherization of your home. While not too common in the Northwest, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared against freezing pipes by using pipe insulation where necessary, especially on pipes in areas in external walls on your house. Running water for a short period of time through rarely used pipes can also help prevent corrosion in pipes and keep your plumbing working efficiently and effectively.
Weatherization is one of the most cost-effective methods available to improve the comfort, health and energy efficiency of your home, and we offer a range of smarter solutions to help. Stay tuned for part two of our weatherization tips series coming your way shortly.
