Homes that use less energy will cost less in monthly energy bills – but that isn’t the only reason it is important to have a home that is energy efficient. Many of the upgrades that reduce your home energy consumption also improve the health and comfort of your home, by reducing the infiltration of outside air pollution into the home as well as reducing allergic reactions from pollen and other seasonal allergens like;
- Tree, ragweed, and grass pollen
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Dust
Foundation of Efficiency: Insulation and Air Sealing
Insulation and air sealing form the cornerstone of building science and home energy efficiency, acting as critical defenses against energy loss. Insulation plays a pivotal role by reducing the exchange of heat through the walls, roof, and floors of a building, thereby maintaining a consistent indoor temperature and reducing the need for heating and cooling. This thermal barrier helps in minimizing energy consumption and, in turn, lowers utility bills.
On the other hand, professional air sealing addresses the myriad of tiny gaps, cracks, and openings in a building’s envelope that, if left unsealed, can lead to significant air leakage. This leakage not only undermines the effectiveness of insulation by allowing conditioned air to escape and unconditioned air to enter but also leads to an increase in energy consumption and costs.
Common places that require air sealing include;
- Rim Joist located in your basement
- Pipe and wire penetrations from the basement into the attic
- Worn weather stripping around doors and windows
- Poorly insulated attics, attic hatches, kneewalls, kneewall hatches, overhangs, crawl spaces, pull down staircases, etc.
It’s imperative to first enhance the home’s insulation and air sealing before considering an HVAC upgrade, as these upgrades can reduce the heating and cooling load of your equipment. This foundational step ensures that the building envelope is optimized to retain conditioned air, thereby reducing the workload on any HVAC system and better informing proper system sizing.
Once the home is properly insulated and sealed, homeowners can then explore several heating and cooling options. These range from traditional oil-based systems to more sustainable alternatives like gas, or all-electric solutions. This strategic approach ensures a more sustainable, comfortable, and cost-effective living environment. There are many options like;
- ENERGY STAR® Certified Furnaces
- Air Source Heat Pumps – provide both heating and cooling
- Mini Splits – ductless systems that provide both heating and cooling
Get Started with an Energy Assessment
The approach you take to making your home more energy efficient is as important as the upgrades you make – so get your project started off the right way with an energy assessment. Home Efficiency Experts’ home energy assessment quantifies how your home is performing, allowing us to customize your upgrades for maximum impact and efficiency.
We can also assist with any of the rebates and incentives available for these energy savings upgrades, like PSEG Long Island Rebates, the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, and NYSERDA Financing for Home Efficiency Upgrades.