Energy Star Air Sealing Attic

Sealing attic air leaks 1 6 additional sources of air leaks 2 1 sealing basement air leaks 3 1 adding attic insulation 4 1 when you see products or services with the energy star.

Energy star air sealing attic.

Even though insulation may be piled against or stuffed into these spaces they can still leak air. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to the basement or crawlspace can yield substantial benefits if done correctly. Sealing up air leaks into the attic is the most important factor in reducing ice dams followed by keeping hvac out of the attic and proper insulation. Sealing the attic hatch or door finish up by sealing the access hatch with self sticking weather stripping.

Environmental protection agency epa and the u s. Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks. While these improvements are generally considered moderate to difficult do it yourself diy projects whether you are a homeowner or a qualified home performance contractor. Again look for signs of dirty insulation to indicate air is moving through.

If you have a finished attic seal behind the kneewalls finished rooms built into attics often have open cavities in the floor framing under the side walls or kneewalls. Label you know they meet strict energy eficiency guidelines set by the u s. Energy star states that the most significant air leaks are often hidden in the attic below the insulation. Moisture in building frame most of the focus on preventing water vapor from getting to cold surfaces wall sheathing attic struc tures etc has traditionally centered on vapor retarders.

A do it yourself guide to sealing and insulating with energy star sealing and insulating are often the most cost effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient and you can do it yourself with guidance from energy star. Department of energy doe. Sealing attic hatch attic door to properly seal your attic hatch also known as an attic door or scuttle hole at a minimum you should apply weather stripping and ensure the attic side of the attic door is insulated. If your hatch rests directly on the moldings add 2 1 2 inch wide stops around the opening.

Simple fixes include installing weather stripping on doors and caulking around windows while bigger jobs might include sealing leaks and adding insulation in your attic. Some opportunities may include weatherstripping windows and doors pull down stairs and attic entrances. There are multiple products to better seal your home such as basic spray foams and silicone or acrylic latex caulk. In most homes however the most significant air leaks are hidden in the attic and basement.

These are the leaks that significantly raise your energy bill and make your house uncomfortable. To find out what product is best for air. The stops provide a wider surface for attaching the weatherstrip and a space to mount hook and eye fasteners. Most people call these air leaks drafts you may feel these drafts around windows and doors and think these leaks are your major source of wasted energy.