No one enjoys living in an uncomfortable home while throwing money away on wasted energy. Yet our hot, humid Delaware summers and cold winters create a real challenge to homeowners trying to maintain comfort while keeping energy costs in check. And now with rising energy bills across our state, it’s more important than ever to focus on building an energy efficient home from the start.
The best way to tackle this issue is with proper air sealing and insulation. These effective solutions go beyond basic building code requirements to create a home that saves energy, improves comfort, and enhances durability. Let’s explore three key must haves for building an energy efficient Georgetown home.
Air Sealing
Every home is built with holes and gaps that allow valuable air to escape—most commonly around chimneys, recessed lighting, plumbing penetrations, windows and doors, and electrical outlets. In fact, these air leaks account for 25-40 percent of the energy you use for heating and cooling your home. That’s a lot of wasted energy.
The answer is air sealing. Air sealing the small gaps throughout your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to save money and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
Even better, by sealing your home’s air leaks, you not only keep in valuable air, but you also tackle moisture control—crucial in our humid climate, where unchecked moisture can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage.
DIY Tips for Air Sealing
You can take care of simple air sealing concerns yourself with these tips:
- Use weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Apply caulk to gaps and cracks.
For some jobs though, whether big or small, you may want to consider consulting a professional to get the job done. Professional can foam insulation is an ideal solution for sealing key penetration points around your home, while spray foam is ideal for bigger projects.
Attic Insulation
Your attic is one of the most important places you should insulate in your new home, even if it’s one of the least visited areas. A well-insulated attic prevents heat transfer, affecting your entire home by keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Delaware building codes recommend insulating your attic with a minimum R-value (insulating power) of R-49. However, exceeding this minimum R-value amount can bring greater energy saving benefits to you and your pocketbook.
Comparing Insulation Types
Fiberglass batts
Cost friendly option; easy to install; beware of air gaps if improperly installed; requires separate air sealing.
Blown-in fiberglass
Affordable option; provides great coverage but may settle over time; requires separate air sealing.
Spray foam insulation
Highest upfront cost; provides superior two-in-one air sealing and insulating; great moisture resistance; high efficiency soundproofing.
Crawl Space Insulation
Don’t forget about the areas underneath your home. Crawl spaces are often overlooked but are vital to building an energy efficient home. An uninsulated crawl space (or basement too) can have a huge impact on the comfort of your home. Because your crawl space is in direct contact with the ground and any moisture, it can become cold and damp. This dampness can cause the floors of your home’s main level to be cold and affect your comfort. Also, an unsealed crawl space can lead to mold, pests, structural damage, and energy loss.
Take the time to ensure your crawl space has a proper drainage system, moisture barrier and insulation. Encapsulating and insulating your crawl space ensures moisture control, an effective thermal barrier, and radon gas mitigation. It can also enhance the performance of energy efficient appliances like water heaters and HVAC systems that may be housed there.
Long-Term Benefits of Air Sealing and Insulation
Investing in energy efficient upgrades like air sealing and insulation offer many long-term benefits for you and your family beyond saving energy. Key benefits include:
- Improved indoor air quality with fewer allergens.
- Enhanced comfort by reducing drafts and temperature fluctuations.
- Better soundproofing for a quieter home.
- Increased property value and marketability.
- A reduced carbon footprint, especially when paired with installing solar panels and energy efficient lighting.
For even more savings, choose Energy Star certified products, energy efficient windows, and a smart thermostat. Also, take advantage of available insulation tax credits and incentives you may qualify for.
Your Partner in Energy Efficiency
There you have it. For a head start on maximizing your home’s energy efficiency, ensure you have proper air sealing, attic insulation, and crawl space insulation. Prioritizing these measures will ensure your home is not only energy efficient but also comfortable, durable, and healthy.
At Delmarva Insulation, our expert team is passionate about helping local homeowners and builders create energy efficient homes in our Georgetown community. We have the ideal insulation solutions for your new or existing home.
Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate.
