Basements and crawlspaces
Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.
The primary areas to seal with caulk are:
If you find a large hole or crack, use expanding foam. A small squirt is usually enough to seal the opening - too much can damage the surrounding materials. Don't use expanding foam around any electrical equipment.
If you have storm windows, use them. If you don't, install plastic window film, especially on north-facing windows. Don't forget to cover basement windows too.
Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.
An energy-tight home requires adequate ventilation and vapor control to maintain healthy air.
The right insulation material for your home depends on where it will be used and what type you already have.
Keep your attic properly vented with an attic fan. Learn about a solar operated option.
Spray foam insulation does a great job of sealing up cracks and crevices, if it's installed properly. Learn more about open-cell spray foam options.
Don't overlook these important elements when you're upgrading your insulation.
Learn how to locate those pesky air leaks and what to do when you find them.
A typical home will need about $50 in weatherizing materials - and the cost can be paid back in energy savings in just a few weeks.