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Controlling Home Moisture Problems |
Energy Savings Checklist |
Buyer's Guide to Existing Homes |
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Carbon Monoxide |
Windows, Skylights & Doors |
Insulating Your Home |
Heating & Cooling |
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Ice Dams |
Apartments & Condos |
Insulation
Many people aren't aware that their home may be improperly or inadequately insulated. According to a recent
government survey, 19% of respondents said they have no attic or ceiling insulation, and 30% said they have
no wall insulation. This is a big issue in Wisconsin since we have some of the coldest winters in the entire
United States.
In a typical house, over 40% of the annual energy budget is consumed by heating and cooling, so choosing the
right insulation and installing it correctly are important steps in home efficiency, especially here in
Wisconsin. The key to being well-insulated is having the correct thermal resistance, or R-value. The higher
the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. With the right amount of insulation, at the right
R-value, you'll feel comfortable in your home throughout the year.
You can install insulation yourself, but it must be done correctly. For example, poor ventilation in an attic
can cause moisture problems. Or, the insulation may be ineffective because of improper placement or installation.
If you're not sure your home is adequately insulated, or how or where to install insulation, contact a Home
Performance Rater who will assess your insulation needs as part of their inspection.
For more information on insulating your home, click on the link below to view our basics of insulating fact
sheet. Or call Focus on Energy at 800.762.7077.
Basics Insulation Fact Sheet
Air sealing should be addressed when insulating. If you don't seal, you risk hiding holes beneath the insulation,
where finding and sealing them later could be all but impossible (see below).
Air Sealing
Air sealing is a specialized trade. It's all about controlling the movement of air in and out of your home.
Most folks think that caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows control air flow, because this is
where the most obvious leaks and drafts are.
The attic is the most important area to seal. Problems
are also commonly found under floors and in the walls. In homes with heating and cooling ducts, the ducts
may have the worst leaks of all. Special attention must be paid to the top and bottom of the house, because
that's where pressure differences are greatest. Other leaks can be found in:
- Older homes with several chimneys.
- Finished attics or half-stories.
- Attached garages, especially if tucked under the second story.
- Homes with ceilings at different heights or sloped ceilings.
A Home Performance consultant can identify precisely what areas of your home need air sealing with the blower
door test. By using a Home Performance consultant, you'll also ensure that your home is sealed safely. If a
home is sealed too tightly without proper ventilation, harmful pollutants could be trapped, creating a potentially
dangerous air flow.
For more information on the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
® Program, view our fact sheet
Home Performance Fact Sheet
or visit the
Home Improvement pages on this Web site.
