department of energy energy savers powerpoint: insulation and sealing air leaks 3 of 12
TRANSCRIPT
Department of Energy
Energy Savers PowerPoint: Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
3 of 12
This 12 part PowerPoint series is taken directly from Energy Savers Booklet, Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home, U.S. Department of Energy
Contents
1. Save Energy and Money Today 2. Your Home’s Energy Use 3. Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks 4. Heating and Cooling 5. Water Heating 6. Windows 7. Lighting 8. Appliances 9. Home Office and Home Electronics10. Driving and Car Maintenance11. Renewable Energy12. References
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
• This presentation will show you how easy it is to reduce your energy use at home.
• Easy, practical solutions include tips you can use, throughout your home—from the roof, walls, and insulation that enclose it to the appliances and lights inside.
Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks
Reduce energy demand
Cut amount of resources needed
Create less greenhouse gas emissions
Reduce utility bills
A Good Insulation System
• Is a combination of products and construction techniques that– Protect a home from outside hot or cold temperatures– Protect a home against air leaks– Control moisture
• Will reduce energy waste• Makes the most of your energy dollars
Places to Insulate
Attic
Walls
Floors
Crawl space Basemen
t
Measuring Insulation
Insulation is measured in R-values• The higher the R-value, the better your walls and
roof will resist the transfer of heat
Climate Zones
Recommended Total R-values
Kentucky
• Mixed, humid Climate Zone 4
Insulation
Kentucky
Types of Insulation
• Rolls and batts• Loose-fill• Rigid foam• Foam-in-place
Roll and Batt Insulation
•Flexible•Made from mineral fibersFiberglassRock wool•Available in standard widths
Loose-fill Insulation
•Loose fibersFiberglassRock woolCellulose•Blown into spaces•Well suited for hard-to-reach spaces
Rigid Foam Insulation
•More expensive•Offers high R-value in small spaces
Foam-in-place Insulation
•Blown into walls•Reduces air leakage around windows and door frames
Should I Insulate My Home?
Decide to insulate your home when:• You have an older home and have not added
insulation.– Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well
insulated
1980
Should I Insulate My Home?
Decide to insulate your home when:• You have an older home and have not added
insulation.• You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in
the summer.– Insulation creates more uniform temperatures
Should I Insulate My Home?
Decide to insulate your home when:• You have an older home and have not added insulation.• You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer.• You build a new home, addition, or install new siding or roofing.
Should I Insulate My Home?
Decide to insulate your home when:• You have an older home and have not added insulation.• You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer.• You build a new home, addition, or install new siding or roofing.• You pay high energy bills.
Should I Insulate My Home?
Decide to insulate your home when:• You have an older home and have not added
insulation.• You are uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in
the summer.• You build a new home, addition, or install new
siding or roofing.• You pay high energy bills.• You are bothered by noise from outside.
Insulation Tips
5 easy and effective ways to save energy with insulation
Insulation Tips
Consider:
Climate
Building design
Budget
R-value
Insulation Tips
• Use higher density insulation on exterior walls, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings, and on exterior walls
Insulation Tips
• Ventilation helps with moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills
Insulation Tips
• Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss
• Be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC—designed for direct insulation contact
Imag
e c
ourt
esy
of U
.S. E
PA
Insulation Tips
• Follow product instructions on installation and wear the proper protective gear when installing insulation
Long-Term Savings Tip
One of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more comfortable year-round is to add insulation to your attic.
Long-Term Savings Tip
To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of the insulation.
If you have less than R-30 (11 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 8 inches of cellulose), you could probably benefit by adding more insulation.
Long-Term Savings Tip
Insulate the attic access door
New Construction
Use both cavity insulation and insulative sheathing
New Construction
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
New Construction
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
New ConstructionStraw bales for walls
New Construction
Sealing Air Leaks
Quick dollar-saving tasks for leaky seams,cracks and openings to the outside• Caulk• Seal• Weather-strip
Sources of Air Leaks
1. Dropped ceiling 2. Recessed light 3. Attic entrance 4. Sill plates 5. Water and furnace flues 6. All ducts 7. Door frames 8. Chimney flashing 9. Window frames10. Electrical outlets and switches11. Plumbing and utility access
How Does Air Escape from a Home?
Floors, Walls, and Ceiling,
31%
Ducts, 15%Fireplace,
14%
Plumbing Penetration,
13%
Doors; 11%
Windows; 10%
Electric Outlets; 2%
Fans and Vents, 4%
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
Windward
Leeward
Incense stick
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
• Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls.
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
Dirt
Dirt
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
When fireplace is in use, open damper.
When fireplace is not in use, close damper.
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
•Use a foam sealant around larger gaps around windows.•Always use a non-expanding foam.
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
Add an exhaust fan cover
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
• Replace existing door bottoms and thresholds with ones that have pliable sealing gaskets
Tips for Sealing Air Leaks
• Use inflatable chimney balloons, that fit beneath the fireplace flue during periods of non-use, to help prevent heat loss if a metal fireplace flue is warped
SummarySeal air leaks
Insulate
Save money
Lower energy use
Snug Home