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Insulation

September 14, 2012
Home Energy Efficiency Twitter Chat

Did you miss our home energy efficiency Twitter Chat? We compiled the discussion so you can learn ways to save energy and money at home.

September 11, 2012
The Energy Department's home energy efficiency experts David Lee and Sam Rashkin will be answering your questions on ways to save energy and money at home. | Image courtesy of Sarah Gerrity.
#askEnergy: Live Twitter Chat with Home Energy Efficiency Experts

On Thursday, we are answering your questions about ways to save energy and money at home.

June 24, 2012
Adding insulation in an existing home saves money and improves comfort. | Photo courtesy of Dennis Schroeder, NREL.
Adding Insulation to an Existing Home

Adding insulation to your home is a sound investment that is likely pay for itself quickly in reduced utility bills.

June 24, 2012
Adding insulation in the attic of an existing home often results in a favorable payback. | Photo courtesy of Lieko Earle, NREL PIX 19612.
Estimating the Payback Period of Additional Insulation

Adding insulation to an existing home often has an attractive payback period.

June 20, 2012
Planning carefully for insulation results in reduced utility bills and superior comfort during the life of the home. In this house, raised heel trusses accommodate R-60 insulation. | Credit: Paul Norton, NREL.
Insulation for New Home Construction

Building a new energy-efficient home requires carefully selecting where you place and install insulation materials.

June 4, 2012
Hot Town, Summer in the City

Summer months present plenty of opportunities to save energy—as long as you stay cool about it.

May 30, 2012
Radiant Barriers

Radiant barriers are effective for reducing summer heat gain in cooling climates.

May 30, 2012
Examples of where to insulate.
1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below.
(1A) attic access door

2. In finished attic rooms with or without dormer, insulate
(2A) between the studs of "knee" walls,
(2B) between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof,
(2C) and ceilings with cold spaces above.
(2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.

3. All exterior walls, including
(3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas;
(3B) foundation walls above ground level;
(3C) foundation walls in heated basements, full wall either interior or exterior.

4. Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also insulate
(4A) any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below; 
(4B) slab floors built directly on the ground;
(4C) as an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces.
(4D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.

5. Band joists.

6. Replacement or storm windows and caulk and seal around all windows and doors.
Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Where to Insulate in a Home

Insulating the entire building envelope of your home saves money and improves comfort.

May 30, 2012
In existing homes, cellulose (here) or other loose-fill materials can be installed in building cavities through holes drilled (usually) on the exterior of the house. After the installation, the holes are plugged and finish materials replaced. | Photo courtesy of Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association.
Types of Insulation

Consumers can choose from among many types of insulation that save money and improve comfort.

May 30, 2012
Cellulose, a fiber insulation material with a high recycled content, is blown into a home attic. | Photo courtesy of Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association.
Insulation Materials

Learn about the different insulation materials, which run the gamut from bulky fiber materials such as fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibers to rigid foam boards to sleek foils.