Epping Weatherization
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How to Weatherize Your Home
[edit] Background
With the supply of fossil fuels finite and diminishing world wide, and the cost of home heating inconsistent and unstable, solutions for lowering energy consumption have become not only an environmental issue, but an economical concern on the local and individual level. Weatherization is the practice of protecting a building and its interior from the elements, such as the cold, with the intent to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency. Reducing consumption of fossil fuels is important because of the finite supply of fossil fuels, because of air quality and carbon emissions, and because it costs less money to use less energy. Weatherizing strategies include insulating pipes; insulating walls, attics, and basements; and increasing heat distribution and efficiency, such as using expanding foam for cracks, wrapping/cocking windows, and installing programmable thermostats. Most weatherizing materials are inexpensive and save a substantial amount of money and energy.
[edit] Heating and Pipe Insulation
The first thing to look at in terms of energy use is the heating system being used for the house. Heating systems should go through maintenance annually for highest efficiency. Depending on what kind of heating unit a home is using, it is possible that a more efficient system could be put in that would save energy and save money in the long run. Click on the image to the right to see average efficiencies for different kinds of units. Natural Gas, for example, is more efficient than oil (and also burns cleaner). Another important weatherizing strategy is pipe insulation. By wrapping heating pipes and water pipes with insulation, it makes the system more efficient. Fiberglass, polyethylene and foil are common materials for pipe insulation.
[edit] Improving Wall, Attic, and Basement Insulation
According to the US Department of Energy, up to 45% of a home's energy loss is through the attic. Making sure you have the right insulation is important and easy.
However, you can do much better if, instead of simply adding insulation, you first stop any vertical flow of air through your house, the air moving from the basement and lower floors up into the attic and out. The "stack effect" or "chimney effect" is what you are trying to defeat: warm air rises, and moves into the attic through ceiling light fixtures, plumbing and chimney passages, attic hatches, and other leaks; and this movement lowers air pressure downstairs causing cold air to move into your house replacing that expensive warm air you just lost. Details are available at this Vermont web site and a free pamphlet is offered by the US Department of Energy here. (Find the 24-page publication titled "Do-it-yourself Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing: Sealing Air Leaks and adding Attic Insulation" which you can preview on-line.)
