Green Homes—Sealing & Insulation

When your thoughts turn to energy efficiency and comfort, you may start thinking about new windows, a furnace, or an air conditioner. Experts suggest you take a step back. According to Energy Star, a national program from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, your most cost-effective move would be to first seal and insulate your home properly.

Assess the Problem

Start with a home energy audit, which can run from $200 to $400. While some homeowners may prefer to seek out leaks themselves, having a skilled set of eyes is almost more valuable than the specialized tests a professional auditor can perform.

Doug Maas, owner of A Closer Look Homes Inspections Inc. in Hortonville, WI, has audited hundreds of homes as a certified consultant under Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program. He says each home has its unique problems. However, typically an audit might reveal homes that are leaky because energy conservation was not part of the construction process when fuel was cheaper. An audit might uncover a leaky home because improvement projects were incorrectly handled. Also, many homes were just not built to be as efficient as possible.

For Maas, a typical audit includes a blower door test, use of an infrared camera, a check for proper venting of combustion units such as a furnace or water heater, and inspection of insulation. His investigation also covers those areas that experience has taught him are likely to be typical air leak sites such as electrical outlets and where utility lines penetrate the house.

The blower door test involves a fan and measuring device in a doorway framework. The setup depressurizes the house and measures, in cubic feet per minute, the outside air drawn in through unsealed cracks and crevices.

An infrared camera reveals dark areas that identify where cold is penetrating the home envelope—typically basement walls and attic hatches, among other areas.

After homes have been sealed and insulated, an audit can also check to make sure mechanical equipment is venting properly. First the home is depressurized to a particular level by turning on all exhaust fans and shutting all doors and windows. Then a monitor is used to detect whether deadly carbon monoxide gas is being pulled into the home through any chimney backdrafts.