Insulation

Insulation and Air Leaks

You should probably consider upgrading your insulation and finding and sealing air leaks of you answer yes to one or all of the following questions:

1. Was your home built prior to 1980? Only 20% of homes built before that date are well insulated.
2. Is your home uncomfortably cold in the winter or hot in the summer? More insulation will make the temperature more uniform.
3. Are your energy bills unusually high for a home of your size?
4. Do you hear an unusual amount of noise from the outside? Insulation can be a muffler of noise as well as an energy saver.

Attic insulation is the usually the biggest culprit in under-insulated homes. For proper insulation levels for your home, visit the DOE Zip Code Insulation Calculator at www.ornl.gov/~roofs/zip/ziphome.html or consult a licensed contractor.

For a free evaluation of the insulation in your home, as well as an energy audit designed to show you how to give your home an “Energy Makeover” click here or call Carlton Homes at (707) 544-1791.

Air Leak Tips

Test for air leaks in your home by holding an incense stick near potential problem areas (listed below). If the smoke is blown sideways by the wind, you have found a leak.

Common sources of air leaks in the home include: dropped ceilings, recessed lights, attic entrances, sill plates, water and furnace Flues, all ducts, door frames, chimney flashing, window frames, electrical outlets and switches, and utility access points.

Common remedies for these problems are: caulking and weathers tripping for doors and windows, caulking for areas where electrical wires or plumbing pipes go through exterior walls and floors, rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls, and replacing single pane windows with dual glazing.