Energy Star

Save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bill and increase the comfort of your home. ENERGY STAR recommends sealing the "envelope" that surrounds your living space, which includes the ceiling, outer walls, windows and floors.

• Add insulation to stay comfortable during periods of extreme temperatures.
  
• Seal air leaks to stop drafts and get the full performance out of your insulation.
  
• Use ENERGY STAR windows when replacing the windows in your home.

Fresh Air?

Although air sealing is intended to prevent outside air from leaking into your house, a certain amount of controlled fresh air is important for healthy indoor air quality. Proper ventilation provides fresh air and removes stuffy indoor air and excess moisture. Professional contractors who offer ENERGY STAR Home Sealing should check the natural air leakage using a blower door and check the safety of combustion appliances .

Why is insulation important?

The proper type and level of insulation for your home provides a continuous thermal barrier minimizing heat flow through the walls, ceiling, and floor. The result is a more comfortable home and reduced heating and cooling costs. Installing insulation properly is as important as the type and level of insulation because gaps, voids, compressions, and moisture reduce the effectiveness of insulation and allow unconditioned air to enter your home. (See table of insulation levels)

For more information visit the Energy Star Homepage

What are air and vapor barriers?

Air barriers are any material used to prevent the movement of air through walls, ceilings, and floors. Vapor barriers keep moisture, which is often contained in air, from passing through and condensing in walls, floors, and ceilings. Air and vapor barriers must be installed in a manner appropriate to your climate region to work correctly. This is always toward the warmer side of the wall or ceiling.