Problem: Houses are Leaky
All the hidden air leaks in the home equal a hole the size of an open window!
Common Air Leaks
Result: Impacts of a Leaky Home
Uncomfortable: Winter: - Drafts by windows and doors - Cold ceiling, floors and walls
Summer: - Hot ceiling or attic rooms
Costly:Spending more to heat and cool the home because your system must work harder to maintain comfort
Solution: ENERGY STAR Home Sealing
Graphic used to identify productsthat are used in the Home Sealing process
Benefits of ENERGY STAR Home Sealing
• Saves Money: Cut energy bills by up to 10% (about $150 a year for an average home)
• Improves Comfort: Homes are more comfortable and energy efficient during extreme temperatures
• Blocks Outdoor Pollutants: Reduce the number of holes where dust, pollen, pollution, and pests can enter the home
• Reduces Outside Noise: A tighter, well-insulated home helps makes the home quieter
Fact: ENERGY STAR Home Sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower energy bills and improve comfort.
Steps: How to Get Started
1. Find and plug air leaksPlug the big holes first – usually in the attic and basement
2. Add InsulationActs like a blanket to keep the home warm
and….. if you want to replace/upgrade windows
3. Choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows that are appropriate for your climate
Tip: It is very important to seal air leaks before adding insulation.
Associated Products
Product Images
[Customized by Retailer]
Purpose Location
Picture of Caulk Seals off air leaks and stops drafts Customized by Retailer
Picture of Spray foam Seals off air leaks and stops drafts Customized by Retailer
Picture of weather stripping, door sweeps,
etc.
Blocks gaps around windows/doors. Customized by Retailer
Picture of Insulation Slows down heat moving into and out of homes through the walls, floors, and
ceiling.
Customized by Retailer
Caulk
Application: • Use to form a flexible seal along small gaps (up to ½”)
Types of Products:• Acrylic-latex
• Silicone indoor/outdoor caulk
• Heat resistant caulk for use around hot flues and chimneys
Related Tools:• Caulk gun
Tip: To avoid applying too much use a caulk gun with automatic release
Expanding Spray Foam
Application: Use for wider gaps (1/2” to 3”), cracks along sill, and around electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and dryer vents
Product Types:• Latex based – best for use indoors
• Urethane – more durable, water resistant, use for outdoors
Related Tools:• Rubber gloves, eye protection, old clothes
Tip: Product can be very sticky and hard to remove so recommend to customers that they wear gloves during use.
Weather stripping
Application:
Weather stripping can be used for windows or doors
Product Types:• Rubber or foam strips for windows and doors
• Door sweeps and door thresholds
• Electrical outlet sealers
Tip: Customers should choose a type of weather stripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with the location of its use.
Insulation
Application:• Insulation resists the transfer of heat through walls, ceiling,
or floor• Resistance is measured in R-value • A higher R-value means more resistance allowing for greater
comfort during extreme temperatures• R-value can drop if air flows through or around insulation
Product Types:• Fiberglass rolls and batts• Loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose• Rigid foam board for covering big holes
Tip: If you can see the floor joists in your attic, you probably need to add more insulation.
Benefits of ENERGY STAR Home Sealing
Remember these benefits when talking to customersabout ENERGY STAR Home Sealing:
• Saves Money: Cut energy bills by 10%
• Improves Comfort: Stop cold drafts and feel warmer
• Blocks Outdoor Pollutants: Reduce the number of holes where dust, pollen and insects can enter your home
• Reduces Outside Noise: A tighter, well-insulated home helps makes the home quieter
Tip: Refer customers to the “Do-it-Yourself Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing” for detailed ‘how-to’ instructions on sealing air leaks and adding insulation.
To learn more, visit the ENERGY STAR Training Center page at: www.energystar.gov
A user-friendly and easily navigable micro-site containing training tools for Partners. Users can navigate throughout three main categories to find training resources relevant tothem: products, campaigns, utilities/EEPS (energy efficiency program sponsors).
Benefits:• EASY: access to all relevant ENERGY STAR training materials and resources on
your own with relative ease
• ACCURATE: The most current training materials to share with your sales associates for increasing the sale of ENERGY STAR qualified products and services
• RELEVANT: A location for collaboration and idea exchange with other Partners