Insulation and Other Ways to Winterize so You Stay Warm and Toasty this Winter

dmhome • Nov 27, 2017

 

Home insulation is vital for comfort in the home but it also has an impact on your budget. A well-insulated home is more energy efficient, resulting in savings for the homeowner. The home will be warmer in the winter, with less stress on the HVAC system. The good thing about home insulation is that when it is done right, you will not have to think about it for decades. Here are some important points to consider so your home will be ready for the winter season.

Why the Attic is Important

This is typically a weak area for home insulation for one simple reason; warm air travels upwards. Without proper insulation and seals, you could be losing heat and driving up your bills. Leak sources include plumbing vents, the area around the chimney and exhaust fans. These must be sealed before adding attic insulation to get the full benefits and keep the attic warm. An easy way to spot possible heat leaks is to look for dark spots or dust buildup in specific areas. Steps to take before insulating the attic include:

  • Use a foam sealant or caulk to quickly close the spaces around pipes or wiring.
  • Use heat-resistant caulk to seal the chimney flashing
  • Add weatherstripping to seal the edges of the attic’s access door.

Focus on Proper Insulation

You can avoid home winterization deficits by making sure that the installation is effective. Even the smallest spaces can undo your efforts, and lead to steady heat loss. A few tips that will help you to avoid this are:

  • Fill stud cavities completely. A useful technique is to cut batts slightly larger than the measured cavity.
  • Put insulation batts behind electrical boxes.
  • Do not compress the insulation material as this decreases its effectiveness.

Vent the Spaces

Ventilation is essential in the crawlspace and attic to accompany your insulation measures. Otherwise, warm air will build up to the point where it creates more moisture and leads to mold growth and other issues. In the rafters and floor of the attic, there needs to be a small air space between insulation and sheathing. This space should be no less than one inch. It will help to push out moisture and it will protect the roof by minimizing the buildup of ice dams.

Other great home winterization tips include:

  • Get your heating system checked
  • Install a programmable thermostat
  • Change furnace filters
  • Run your fans in reverse
  • Drain air conditioner hoses and lines
  • Check windows and doors for leaks

Winterizing your home not only adds to your comfort, it actually helps you to keep your budget in check. You can stay warm without worrying that you will see higher bills when the cold spell is over.

Winterization and Home Insulation in Gaithersburg

Call us at 301-948-0100 if you’re concerned that your home may not be ready for everything Old Man Winter is about to throw at us here in Gaithersburg. We’ll help make sure your insulation is good to go this winter.

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