Sealing Your Home Helps Increases Energy Efficiency - Foam Insulation Can Help Save Homeowners Up To 30 Percent On Energy Bills

November 1, 2007

Heating and cooling costs are up 400 percent in the last decade, according to the Association for Better Insulation. You may think that insulating should be the first step in making your home more energy efficient, but air leaks through the ceiling, walls, foundation and other areas typically are the greatest sources of heat loss in a home.

The U.S. Department of Energy has found that the openings in ceilings, walls and floors; around window and door frames; plumbing penetrations; ducts; and electrical outlets account for 82 percent of the energy loss in the average home. The department has also found that sealing the gaps and cracks in these areas can save homeowners up to 30 percent on energy bills.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse” www.eere.energy.gov

Air infiltration causes drafts and a chilly feeling during the cool-weather months. While you may have a tendency to move the thermostat up when you feel a breeze, this will not stop the drafts. Sealing cracks and openings will. Stopping drafts at the source allows you to stay warmer at lower thermostat settings, use less fuel and reduce utility bills. A homeowner can save $80.76 a year by sealing the largest air leaks, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute.

Fortunately, air infiltration is one of the easiest forms of heat loss to correct. The process requires a careful home inspection and a filler material such as GREAT STUFF^TM Insulating Foam Sealant. You can inspect your home for air leaks yourself or work with a representative from the local energy company, which may offer a free energy audit to customers.

• If working alone, you should follow these steps.
  Begin at the most common problem areas, such as at junctures of the walls and ceiling, and in gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring.
• Check to see if air can flow through places such as attic hatches, baseboards, switch plates and electrical outlets.
• Examine the gaps around pipes, plumbing and wires.
• Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks.

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, then do this easy test recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy:

• Close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.
• Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
• Turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases air infiltration through gaps and cracks, making them easier to detect.

Another option is to use incense sticks, smoke pencils, long stem matches or even a damp hand to locate air leaks. Moving air will cause the smoke from the lighted objects to flicker, and any drafts will feel cool to a damp hand.

You should also study the exterior of the home. The best way to do so is to inspect all areas where different building materials meet, such as exterior corners, where siding and chimneys meet, and areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet. Other possible areas of concern might be a dryer vent, outside water faucet, or electric, gas and A/C penetrations.

Once the leaks are found, you can start plugging them with foam insulation such as GREAT STUFF^TM Insulating Foam Sealant, which is less expensive and lasts longer than caulk. When properly applied, GREAT STUFF expands to take the shape and size of a void, forming a permanent, airtight and water-resistant seal that protects homes from the outside elements.

Before using, read the directions and all the precautions on the can carefully. GREAT STUFF is extremely sticky; wear gloves and eye protection. Ensure adequate ventilation or wear proper respiratory protection. Plan ahead for safety and best results. To begin, you should familiarize yourself with the foam by practicing on newspaper.

Once you are comfortable with the can, return to the areas where air is infiltrating your home. Fill openings less than half full because the product expands. Overfilling the gap is common but easy to remedy. Once dry, you can trim excess foam with any sharp knife or serrated blade. Once cured, GREAT STUFF can be trimmed, shaped, sanded, painted or stained to give the project a finishing touch.

The Association for Better Insulation has found that air infiltration wastes up to 40 percent of every heating and cooling dollar. With GREAT STUFF, you can help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable by sealing gaps and cracks where cooled and heated air escape.
 

®™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow.

 

For Editorial Information:

Bill Anderson

404-479-2216

banderson@blattnerbrunner.com

 

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow