Tips

Q:  Where should I start to get my home more energy efficient?

A. The best way to get started making your home more energy efficient and more comfortable is to NOT make a major investment.  So many people think they can solve all their problems by making a major investment in 1 solution (i.e. replacing windows or adding solar panels).  But there is NO silver bullet that will cure uncomfortable rooms and/or high energy bills.  There are almost always multiple reasons why a home is underperforming.  The biggest source of high energy bills and uncomfortable homes is relatively cheap to fix – we are talking about air leaks.  Most homes in the US have lots of holes that let unconditioned air enter the home.  See our blog post titled “Steps to Energy Saving Success” for more details.

Q:  Does my attic need insulation?

 A. If you can see the floor joists in your attic the answer is yes.  Over 90% of all homes in the US need to add insulation to their attic.  Why?  Two reasons: 

1. over time, insulation settles (because of gravity) and compressed insulation won’t do as good a job of stopping heat from entering your home as fluffy insulation and,
2. the “code” for the amount of insulation in attics is updated from time to time. 

So call your local insulation contractor to get an estimate on what it will cost to add insulation to your attic.  See our blog post labeled “It’s all about the Delta T” to find out more about why you should add insulation to your attic.

Q:  Should I close off HVAC ducts in rooms I’m not using?

A. Unless you have a super tight HVAC duct system, it’s best not to close off ducts in unused rooms.  Closing off these ducts will force more air to the other ducts in your home.  So if your duct system is leaky, you’ll be forcing more air through a leaky ducts system – and those leaks are probably in places where you won’t see them (attics and crawlspaces).  See our blog post “Is Your Duct System Leaking” for more info.