Last updated 2 months ago
If you are still not seeing the reduction you want in your utility bills, even after investing in insulation and installing weatherstripping around your doors and windows, you should consider having a professional identify and seal air leaks in your home. Small leaks and cracks can be difficult to detect without the proper equipment and training. For an overview of the leak detection process, read below.
Exterior Inspection
The first thing a professional will do when searching your home for air leaks is inspect the exterior of the house. Cracks in stucco or gaps in siding panels can allow drafts to enter the home, as do poorly installed and sealed outdoor faucets. Also, your energy assessment technician should visually inspect the foundation and the corners of the home, since these areas are especially susceptible to cracking.
Interior Evaluation
After thoroughly inspecting your home’s exterior, your energy auditor should then walk through your home and identify any possible weak points where you might have an air leak. These include the area around door and window frames, electrical outlets, baseboards, vents, window-mounted air conditioners, and the points where electrical, cable, and gas lines enter your home. Technicians with experience locating air leaks know where common vulnerable points are, so they can quickly and easily identify spots that might be leaking.
Blower Door Test
A blower door is a piece of equipment that allows technicians to precisely locate air leaks. With all other doors and windows in the home tightly shut, the technician installs the blower inside the open frame of an exterior door. While the blower is turned on, the pressure inside the home is significantly lower than the pressure outside, which allows the technician to locate leaks using a smoke pencil or other tools.
If you suspect that your home may have air leaks, call Accurate Insulation today at (301) 358-0914 to schedule a blower door test. We can help ensure that your DC or Maryland home is tightly sealed and properly insulated against extreme summer and winter temperatures.
Last updated 2 months ago
In our recent blog posts, we discussed the value of home insulation. For more information on this valuable topic, click on the links below or visit our website to learn more. Call Accurate Insulation at (301) 358-0914 for insulation installation in DC and Maryland.
Learn about insulation and vapor retarders at the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association website.
Are you shopping for new insulation? Then consult this comprehensive insulation buying guide provided by Better Homes and Gardens.
Find out what R-value your insulation should have at EnergyStar.gov.
Cellulose insulation is efficient and cost effective, according to the Building and Construction Technology program at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
When moisture gets into fiberglass insulation, mold can start growing. Learn more about the health effects of mold growth at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site.
Last updated 2 months ago
Weatherstripping is used to seal areas that easily let air in, such as windowsills and door openings. In addition to eliminating draftiness in a home, weatherstripping can also improve energy efficiency by reducing home heating and cooling costs. To help select the right type of weatherstripping for your residence, refer to this basic homeowner’s guide to weatherstripping from Accurate Insulation of Maryland.
Types
There are many different types of weatherstripping that buyers can choose from. Vinyl and rubber weatherstripping are widely used because they are incredibly durable and long lasting, despite being somewhat expensive. Felt weatherstripping is also popular because it is cheap and easy to install. All of these materials can be used to seal both door and window sashes.
Installation
Properly installing weatherstripping is the key to eliminating air leaks. Happily, this task is quite easy. First, measure the area where you plan to apply weatherstripping. Afterwards, cut the weatherstripping material, being sure to leave on a few inches extra. Next, install the weatherstripping around the window or door. Performing this last step may require screws or nails, depending on the kind of weatherstripping you are using. Once all of these steps are complete, your home will be virtually air-tight.
Benefits
There are many reasons why you should weatherstrip your doors and windows. Along with stopping cold air from entering your home, weatherstripping will save you money on your energy bills. Additionally, using weatherstripping will prevent you from having to replace your old windows and doors and keep your insulation working effectively.
For more information on weatherstripping, call Accurate Insulation in Maryland. Our team can install weatherstripping, foam insulation, and even a brand-new garage door in your home. We are dedicated to keeping our prices low and providing the highest-quality home-improvement services around. Schedule an appointment with us today at (301) 358-0914—you’ll be glad that you did!
Last updated 2 months ago
How often do you think about your house’s insulation? If you’re like most homeowners, the answer is probably “not much.” However, you should keep your insulation on your mind more often since it is one of the most integral parts of your home.
By watching this video, you will learn some helpful facts about home insulation. For instance, if the insulation in your attic and walls is not thick enough, you could be allowing hot or cold air to come into your home. Ultimately, this will cause your energy bills to shoot up tremendously. Click play to learn more!
At Accurate Insulation, we can answer all of your questions about insulation installation, costs, and more. Give us a call at (301) 358-0914 today to find out more about our exceptional service offerings in DC and Maryland.
Last updated 2 months ago
Weatherization is a process that makes homes more weather resistant and energy efficient. There are numerous ways to weatherize a home, but weatherstripping around windows, identifying and repairing air leaks, and putting in new insulation are some of the most effective. If you notice any of the issues listed below occurring in your home, it’s likely that your home could benefit from weatherization.
Drafts
Are certain areas of your home drafty or cold? If so, it’s likely that outside air is entering your house. Usually, air gets into residences through cracks in windowsills, spaces underneath doors, and even through badly insulated walls. Repairing these problem areas will make the temperature inside your home more balanced and prevent your HVAC system from working too hard.
Water Leaks
Water leaking through roofs or windows is a sure sign that your home needs to be weatherized. Because water can cause an extensive amount of damage to insulation and even promote termite activity and mold growth, this issue should be addressed the moment it is noticed.
Mold Growth
Evidence of mold growth, such as black spots on walls or a musty odor, usually indicates that your home is allowing moisture to come in from the outside. Because mildew can cause serious health problems, you should contact a professional if you spot any signs of mold growth. The home repair service will be able to patch up the affected area and install new insulation to serve as a barrier, stopping the mold dead in its tracks.
Rising Energy Costs
If you’ve noticed your heating and cooling bills gradually becoming more expensive, there’s a good chance your home could benefit from weatherization. One of the most effective ways to combat this issue is to put new foam insulation into your walls, which can lower your monthly energy costs significantly.
To learn more about weatherizing your Maryland or DC home by installing insulation and weatherstripping, call the experts at Accurate Insulation. Our team will get your home weather-ready fast, so call our office today at (301) 358-0914 to schedule an appointment.
