How many times did your mother need to ask “are you trying to air condition the entire neighborhood” before you remembered to shut the front door when you went out or came in? Or did it truly sink in when you started paying your own energy costs?
Unfortunately, even if your front door is firmly closed, heating and cooling are escaping through leaks in outer walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows…also known as your home’s envelope.
According to ENERGY STAR™, envelope sealing and insulating performed by a skilled contractor can save homeowners up to 10% on their total annual energy bills.
In fact, before you invest in a new air conditioning system (if that’s in your plans), consider investing first in a home energy survey performed by a certified rater. The survey will analyze your home to determine where energy is being wasted, which energy-using systems are operating inefficiently, and what cost-effective improvements would reduce the amount of energy you use each month.
How the industry addresses energy efficiency has evolved over the years from a measure-specific focus to a whole house approach. Rather than focus on a single component — an old air conditioning system, inadequate insulation, leaky ductwork — raters and contractors trained in whole house energy efficiency will determine how improvements to these and other components can work together to provide:
- a less drafty home
- more consistent cooling from room-to-room
- improved ventilation and humidity control
- lower energy bills
For example: Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, plumbing, electrical and venting outlets will keep outside air from getting into your house and reduce the load on your air conditioning system.
The whole house approach goes even further to make sure your attic insulation (and, to a lesser extent, wall insulation) is adequate for your climate.
Your home’s ductwork is another key item. The California Energy Commission says most homes with central air conditioning and heating systems have inadequately sealed ducts. As a result, the average home loses around 30% of the conditioned air outside the home.²
I know what you’re thinking: what about my windows? According to the EPA, the most important consideration for improving the efficiency of windows is air sealing, which can be accomplished with caulking and weather-stripping. Shading with trees, awnings, window film and solar screens can also reduce heat gain during the day, as will keeping the drapes or blinds closed.
If you are planning to replace old windows, choosing energy-efficient models with dual-pane windows with a low-emissivity coating will also save.
If you’re in the market for a new central air conditioner this season, taking care of your home’s envelope first could reduce the size air conditioning unit you need. So seal before you shop.
