The Hidden Costs of Home Ownership (Part 2): Insulation and Ventilation

8/30/2016 (Permalink)

"Insulation is key to ensuring your home is energy efficient. But without proper insulation, you could be losing a great deal of energy through your ceiling and attic. Find out if you are (and how to fix it).

Yesterday, we showed you how to check for drafts around your home. The next step in your energy audit is to evaluate your insulation and ventilation.

Insulation is key to ensuring your home is energy efficient. Without proper insulation, you could be losing a great deal of energy through your ceiling and attic, where the majority of air usually escapes.

1. Check for rust on the ductwork of your heating and cooling units (inside the house and in the attic, wherever they may be). Shine a flashlight inside the ducts and if you notice any signs of rust, have the ducts cleaned.
2. Examine the ducts for dirt and grime buildup to ensure the unit isn’t trying to strain or push out dirty air. If there are dirt streaks on the exterior of the duct work, that may be an indication of an air leak.
3. Make sure the air filter return in the home is snug and fits. When replacing air filters, go for a pleated filter, which catches more dust and allergens and allows the unit to function properly."

Read more at: The Hidden Costs of Home Ownership (Part 2): Insulation and Ventilation