ple now understand that improvements in energy conservation can yield substantial savings for home and business owners. The best course of action is typically an energy audit with a blower door test to see where the most cost effective improvements can be made. Improvements, such as sealing and insulation, can even be performed by the homeowner under the direction of an energy efficiency professional.
One thing to understand about a typical home is that drywall normally acts as the air-barrier. Leaks along the floor are usually significant as sole plates are commonly not sealed in older homes leaving a gap at the drywall/slab interface. Although the baseboard covers these areas, it is generally not sealed, allowing unconditioned air to enter the living space. This is a major factor contributing to stack effect as it allows air to be drawn in. Stack effect is created by hot air rising. This air finds its way out through penetrations in the ceiling such as lighting fixtures, windows or other penetrations. To add insult to injury, stack effect also contributes to convection inside the home. Convection currents make the heating and cooling systems work harder to keep living spaces at a steady, comfortable temperature.
For those conducting or observing a blower door test for the first time, one thing that stands out is the amount of air leakage coming through switch and receptacle covers. Although some of this air is circulating within the thermal envelope, it still contributes to stack effect and can have a detrimental effect on air quality. If you have fiberglass insulation and air is forced through it into the living space, small fiberglass and dust particulates can enter and circulate in your home.
What can we do?
In these situations, basic improvements might entail removing baseboards and sealing at the floor/wall interface or simply sealing baseboards at the floor area. As for ceiling penetrations, lighting fixtures can be temporarily removed and junction boxes air-sealed with an approved caulk. (Obviously you would want to turn off the breaker while doing this work). Do not seal the holes in older can lights (non-IC rated), as they are required to dissipate heat. It might be a good time to replace these fixtures, if possible with more efficient LED or CFL fixtures. Air sealing can make a big difference in your home’s overall efficiency.
Another area where significant energy improvement can be achieved is sealing of the attic by applying a gasket to the attic access door or pull down stairway. While you are up there, application of additional insulation should not be overlooked. Repairing or replacing worn weather-stripping on windows and doors is another easy DIY improvement. As for the outlets and receptacles, you can find foam gaskets at your local home improvement store and they are very easy to install. You may be able to get these for free from your local gas or electric utility.
If you really want to see what the impact is from your hard work, set up a pre-test and post test with a qualified energy professional to measure the reduction in air leakage. As for the outlet and receptacle gaskets, you will have improved air quality and will probably notice a reduction in having to dust your home (a nice bonus). Don’t forget that these improvements may be eligible for federal tax credits (another nice bonus).
