Plan Your Attack on Gaps and Cracks

All the tiny leaks in a typical home -- outlets, door and window frames, exhaust fans, chimney dampers, pipe entrances, air ducts, and dryer vents -- can add up to a wide-open window. With nearly half of the average homeowner’s energy use going toward heating and cooling, those small leaks can lead to higher energy bills.
“Air infiltration is the number one cause of high energy bills,” said Jeff Fancher of The Dow Chemical Company, manufacturers of Great Stuff foam sealant. “Many of us are literally throwing money out the window.”

Energy experts estimate that roughly 21 percent of a home’s energy loss is through windows and doors, and effective air sealing alone can cut energy bills up to 10 percent.

“Filling voids around your home is an easy and cost-effective way to make your home more energy efficient,” said Richard Dale of The Home Depot. Dale recommends homeowners take on the following projects now in order to save on home heating bills this winter.

Seal leaks. Begin by attacking the little leaks that add up to big losses. All exterior doors should have weather-stripping seals along the tops and sides, with draft-sealing sweeps at the bottom. Use top-quality silicone caulk to seal exterior spaces around doors and windows.

Fill gaps and cracks around pipe entrances, air ducts and electrical outlets using moisture-resistant insulating foam sealant.

“Foam sealant expands to fill voids. It’s easy to use and practical for any number of applications,” said Dale. Additionally, most foam sealant can be sanded, painted and stained for a more appealing look if you’re sealing in a visible place.

Insulate and seal duct joints with non-hardening mastic. Despite its name, plain old duct tape doesn’t last as a heating system duct sealant; use mastic. Uninsulated ducts can waste 25 percent of a home’s heating energy.

Attack attics. Insulating ceilings is the best way to maximize heating and cooling efficiency and get the biggest savings on energy bills. Attic floors over flat ceilings are often the easiest part of the home to insulate. Before adding insulation to the attic, it is important to first evaluate how much and what type of insulation is needed. Twelve inches of insulation (R-38) is the modern standard.

Loose fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. While installation costs may vary, blowing loose-fill insulation, such as fiberglass or cellulose, is usually less expensive than installing batts. On the other hand, if you plan to install the insulation yourself, new plastic-wrapped fiberglass batts offer a simple do-it-yourself solution. “The new-style batts slip easily into place and the plastic wrapping eliminates the scratchiness associated with the versions of old,” Dale said.

Heating System. Have a professional clean and tune the furnace every other year. Furnace filters should be cleaned monthly for cleaner air and energy efficiency. Turning your thermostat down in the evening by 10 degrees also will save energy and a little pocket change.