Basements and crawlspaces
Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.
The best way to start saving energy is to search for air leaks within your home. Start by inspecting windows and doors and any place with cracks in the structure of the house. Use caulk to repair small cracks or spray foam insulation for larger cracks and holes. If a window pane is loose, you can fill in the seal with window glaze to tighten the pane.
Weatherstripping is a simple and inexpensive way to improve the seal on your windows and doors from inside your home. Rope caulk, a clay-like sealing product, and clear plastic film can also be installed around windows during the winter and removed in the spring. If your home has ductwork, you can use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal any possible leaks.
Insulating your new house's basement up to R-10 can help reduce energy costs by up to 12 percent.
Don't overlook these important elements when you're upgrading your insulation.
Use this checklist to make sure you don't overlook hidden energy wasters in and around your home.
The right insulation material for your home depends on where it will be used and what type you already have.
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.
An energy-tight home requires adequate ventilation and vapor control to maintain healthy air.
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.
Keep your attic properly vented with an attic fan. Learn about a solar operated option.