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Air Sealing and Insulation That Works
Don't pay to heat and cool the outdoors! Air leakage and improperly installed insulation can waste 20 percent or more of the energy you pay to heat and cool your home. Typical homes have so many leaks, it's like having a window open all the time, winter and summer.
Diagram of Leaky Home: In typical homes, air leaks are often found at holes and penetrations for plumbing, wiring, lighting, and ductwork.
Infrared Image of House Exterior: In this infrared photo of a typical house, the yellow shows excessive heat loss in winter because the house was not built with the comprehensive air barriers and proper insulation details found in ENERGY STAR homes.
MOLD: When warm air leaks into construction assemblies, it can come in contact with cooler surfaces where condensation can occur. The buildup of moisture encourages mold growth, ruins insulation, and even compromises the structural elements of the home.
Mold Behind Wall: Dark = Mold
Photo courtesy of Terry Brennan.
Mold Behind Wall: Dark = Mold
Behind the walls of an ENERGY STAR qualified home...
Well-sealed and properly insulated walls, ceiling, and floors help maintain even temperatures throughout the house and save you up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. A tighter home also reduces the amount of humidity, dust, pollen, pests, and noise that can come inside.
Wires in Wall: Holes for wiring are sealed with expanding foam.
A Person Caulking: Caulking is an air sealing solution.
An Insulated Wall: All insulation works when
it is installed properly and has no gaps, voids, or compressed areas.
Installing Insulation: A contractor is blowing in foam insulation.
An Insulated Wall: All insulation works when
it is installed properly and has no gaps, voids, or compressed areas.
A SIP Wall: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provide both insulation and an air barrier in one assembly.
With new and more rigorous EPA guidelines to earn the label, ENERGY STAR qualified homes are quieter and more comfortable than ever, have lower utility bills, and help protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Look for a home with the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol for superior energy efficiency.
Learn more about other ENERGY STAR New Home Features
