Making homes energy

efficient

A.B. MAY HOME PERFORMANCE

GUIDE BOOK

Save up to 40% on your uti l ity bi l ls Enjoy a more comfortable environment in you home Increase the l ife of your heating and cooling system

THE BENEFITS OF INSULATING AND

SEALING YOUR HOME

AIR SEALING YOUR HOME

REAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (AIR SEALING)

The large holes in the attic were allowing hot and cold air to get down in-between the walls on either side of built-in bookshelves on the first floor. This created a warm environment in the summer and a very cool environment in the winter.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AIR SEALING

Air infiltration can account for 30% or more of a home’s heating and cooling costs

• Reducing infiltration can cut annual heating and cooling costs

• Reduce problems with moisture, noise, dust, and the entry of pollutants, insects, and rodents.

• Improve building durability and create a healthier indoor environment.

Spiders like to build webs where there is air movement. This is why you may spot them by doors and windows that

are potentially leaking air.

DIAGRAM OF A LEAKY HOME In a typical home air leaks are often found at holes and

penetrations for plumbing, wiring, lighting and duct work.

You can lose 30-40% of air loss through your attic

20% is lost through the rim seal in your basement

COUNT HOW MANY CAN LIGHTS YOU HAVE?

Can lights allow for air to leak into the attic costing you money

Important Note: Before you insulate, you need to air seal

THE PROCESS OF SEALING CAN LIGHTS

Can lights are a major source of undetected air leakage in most homes. most insulation is not enough to stop air leakage through the fixture. (In fact, you can often see evidence of air leakage in patches of dirt and dust that has collected on batt insulation that has been laid over these fixtures.

Unsealed can light Preparing the fireproof box cover

The can light ready to be sealed Sealed can light Fireproof air sealed can lights

SEALING WIRES

Electrical wires can be an overlooked area of air loss.

AREAS THAT ARE SOURCES OR AIR LOSS

Important Note: If you insulate without sealing first, you will continue to have air loss, making your home less energy efficient

Electrical Boxes Top Plate & Plumbing Vent

Plumbing Vent Plumbing Vent Allowing Air Flow from the Basement

Area Around Duct Work Allowing Air from Basement

WHAT TO DO WITH A WHOLE-HOUSE ATTIC FAN

If you have an attic fan that you want to use in the

summer. Seal your fan with a removable attic

fan and then insulate around

the fan in the attic.

INSULATING YOUR HOME

Reminder: If you insulate your home without air sealing, your insulation is only performing at 50% of what it should be.

REAL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (INSULATION)

Problem: We have a closet above our garage and it is always really cold in the winter and hot in the summer…..

The Cause: Lack of insulation in the floor and in the attic. In addition to a lack of insulation, it is also possible that garage door is not properly sealed.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INSULATION

In our region, it is recommended that you have at least a value of R-49 for your insulation. That is approximately 15 - 16” of insulation.

BENEFITS OF INSULATION

Benefits of Insulation: • comfort is improved year-round

and it reduces the cost of heating and cooling

• the return on your investment is usually around five to seven years

• there is less need for heating and cooling which saves non-renewable resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions

• some insulation materials can also be used for sound proofing

Myth: Insulation Is Just For Winter Many homeowners think of insulation as a thick warm winter jacket for their home that buffers the heated air inside against the cold weather outside.

Think of insulation like a thermos… It keeps warm things warm, and keeps cool things cool. Homeowners can reduce their energy bills by up to 40% by adding insulation and sealing their homes.

Knee Walls

COMMON INSULATION PROBLEMS: KNEE WALLS

The above image shows an unsealed attic knee wall that is allowing air infiltration

This is a properly sealed knee wall that will keep the insulation contained and

the air from infiltrating the area

COMMON INSULATION PROBLEMS: KNEE WALLS

This knee wall has not been sealed allowing air to penetrate

Proper knee wall sealing

INSULATING YOUR BASEMENT RIM

Your basement can be a big source of air loss in your home. You want to make certain that you insulate and seal the rim.

DETECTING AIR LEAKS AND AREAS THAT HAVE

INADEQUATE INSULATION

THE HOME PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Performance Evaluation* • We use a thermal imaging camera

to pinpoint locations of energy loss • Check all common air leak areas in your home

(outlets, walls, windows, etc.) • Inspect all insulated areas • Inspect duct work • Report our findings to you

• Recommend the best solutions for your home A Home Performance Evaluation is not an Energy Audit. A Performance Evaluation will give you insight into your home and help you to come up with solutions to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

*only a full Energy Audit will qualify you for state and local rebates.

THERMAL IMAGING

Thermal imaging will detect areas of heat/air loss and areas where there is a lack of adequate insulation. The image below show us that the home is losing heat through the windows and the attic.

Can lights are one of the biggest sources of air leakage

DETECTING AIR LOSS WITH A SMOKE PENCIL

By using a smoke pencil, you can see the flow of air and if it is leaking out or into your home

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO VIEW THIS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK

YOUR TECHNICIAN OR CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT

913-383-2222