One of the major costs of everyday living is your heating and cooling system. We want to be comfortable year round with minimal effort. Whether you are building a home or live in a pre-existing house, insulation and weatherization can make a major difference in your bills. In this post we’ll discuss how insulation and weatherization can keep heating and cooling costs down.

Where you live determines your insulation needs. The US Department of Energy has an easy to use calculator to estimate your insulation needs based on your ZIP code. If you are building a new home, building codes will set minimum insulation requirements and your contractor can help you determine what else you will need based on your home design. Pre-existing homes can benefit from an energy audit. A professional will come to your home and perform tests to determine where the air flow is causing you to leak heat or air conditioning. An energy audit can also check the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Weatherizing your home is one of the most important things to do for your home. Gaps around walls and windows can let out the cool air from your geothermal cooling system. Caulk and weather-stripping can help seal those gaps. Your duct work should be checked to make sure it is properly sealed. You can lose up to 20% of your system’s efficiency through duct leaks. Double-glazed windows can reduce heat exchange through the glass. If you cannot afford to replace your windows, you might consider installing window insulation film which can reflect heat out or limit heat transfer. Insulating your pipes prevents cold pipes from leaking condensation and hot pipes from heating the air. Radiant barriers installed under your roof also reflect heat away, helping keep your home cool.

There are many choices in insulation materials. One of the most common types of insulation is fiberglass. Available in pre-cut or in blankets, it is easy to install in walls and attics and helps prevent the air in your heat pump from leaking through gaps in your home’s construction. When installing fiberglass insulation, you need to make sure it is fitted closely together and that you use a vapor barrier to help keep moisture out. If you want to use more environmentally friendly materials, you can buy insulation made from recycled cotton. Installing these materials in the walls of pre-built homes can be difficult since you would need to remove and replace the wall surface. Spray foams can be shot into wall cavities and expands as it cures to provide a tight seal. Loose-fill cellulose insulation can be blown into walls or attic spaces and is often made from recycled paper.

Insulating and weatherizing your home may seem like a daunting task but once it is completed you will be happy with the results. Performing these tasks will greatly reduce your energy loss and save you money in the long run. Remember your home is your biggest investment, so why not protect it the best way possible?

There are quite a few types of weatherstripping because different situations require different kinds of material to be effective. The following types listed are all available to homeowners, and most listed can be used for either doors or windows.

Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam – the easiest weatherstripping to apply, and it is quite inexpensive. Available in both rubber and plastic, adhesive-backed foam comes in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses. When compressed by a door or window, the foam seals out the air. As an added advantage, these strips also provide a cushioning effect that silences slamming. This type of weatherstripping generally lasts from one to three years.

Spring-metal strips (V-shape or single) – available in bronze, copper, stainless-steel, and aluminum finishes. Most manufacturers package spring-metal weatherstripping in rolls, and they include the brads necessary for installation. This kind of weatherstripping requires patience and skill regarding the installation process.

Felt – one of the old standbys and is very economical. It comes in a variety of widths, thicknesses, qualities, and colors (brown, gray, and black). Felt strips are usually nailed in place, but they are also available with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing.

Serrated metal – felt-or vinyl-backed weatherstripping that combines the sturdiness of metal with the application ease of felt. Most manufacturers package serrated-metal weatherstripping in rolls that include brads for installation.

Tubular gasket weatherstripping – It’s made of extremely flexible vinyl, silicone or other plastic compound. It is usually applied outside where it easily conforms to uneven places. Typical colors are white and gray. This weatherstripping should not be painted because paint causes the tube to stiffen and lose its flexibility.

Foam-filled tubular gasket weatherstripping – includes a foam core in the tubular part of the gasket. The foam provides extra insulating qualities and extra strength. Moreover, the foam-filled tubular gasket will hold its shape better than the hollow-tube type, and will remain flexible in colder climates. It should not be painted.

Interlocking metal weatherstripping – requires two separate pieces along each edge of a door. One part fits inside the other to form the seal. One piece goes on the door, while the other is attached to the jamb. Because installation generally requires professional-level cutting, no step-by-step installation instructions are provided for this type of weatherstripping. If you already have interlocking metal weatherstripping, to keep it working properly, straightening any bent pieces with a screwdriver, pliers, or a putty knife.

Jalousie gaskets – clear vinyl tracks that can be cut to fit over the edges of jalousie louvers. They snap in place for a friction fit.