Home Improvements

The energy efficiency of your home is always the result of how well it is built. A well-sealed, well-insulated house is better able to cope with both hot weather and cold weather and requires less work from your heating and cooling system.

During cold weather, your house and its appliances must work to keep heat in; in warm weather, they must work to keep it out. By incorporating Energy Star Home Improvements, you can lower the amount of heat that escapes or enters your home.

Improving your home to reduce heat transfer will save you money and also increase your comfort level. Some key Energy Star Home Improvements designed to reduce heat transfer are (listed according to priority):

	Sealing Air Leaks in Air Distribution System (Ductwork)
	Reducing Air Infiltration (Caulking/Weather-stripping Windows and Doors)
	Installing Floor Insulation to R-19 (Benefits primarily during heating season)
	Installing Double-Paned or Storm Windows
	Installing Ceiling Insulation to R-38
	Installing Wall Insulation to R-13 (Most cost effective if refinishing inside of exterior walls)
	Installing Foam Core Insulated Exterior Doors

Attic
Check your attic for its level of insulation. In all cases, the R-value is what’s important. Insulation is rated by R-value or the ability of the material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more insulating ability the material has. If the level of insulation is not sufficient to achieve an R-38 rating, you may want to consider adding enough insulation to achieve this level (typically 10 inches to 16 inches, depending on the insulating material; fiberglass or cellulose, and type; batt or blown-in).

Typical R-Values: Batt Insulation Blown-in Insulation

An R-38 is the Energy for Life recommendation for maximum energy efficiency. The type of insulation makes no difference in its ability to resist heat flow as long as the amount is sufficient to reach the R-38 level. Remember, when shopping for insulation, don’t buy inches – buy R-values.

Exterior Walls
Poorly insulated exterior walls can be a major source of heat transfer. However, upgrading wall insulation in an existing home can be costly, if possible at all. Plugs must be cut in the walls and insulation pumped in. Because of the expense, you may find it more economical to upgrade the rest of your home to achieve maximum energy efficiency.

Floor
If your house is built with a crawl space underneath, you will need to check the floor insulation. Air circulation can cause cold floors and allow heat to escape through the floor. To reduce this heat transfer, off-grade floors should be insulated to R-19.

Windows
Windows are one of the easier areas to insulate. By adding storm windows, the energy efficiency is increased and heat transfer is reduced. The storm window creates an insulating air space between the original single-paned window and the storm window.

The same air space is achieved by installing double-paned windows. If your single-paned windows are in good condition, you may want to install storm windows over them. If your existing windows are drafty and don’t seal well, you may consider installing double-paned windows.

Solar screens attached to the outside of the window can also reduce heat flow. The screens are only effective on unshaded windows that face east, west and south.

Even the most energy efficient windows will not reach their maximum energy efficiency without caulking around them to reduce drafts and airflow. This added step is an inexpensive way to save energy.

Although windows are an important part of the thermal package, improvements such as ceiling insulation, duct repairs and sealing heating and cooling system leaks and other areas should be accomplished before investing in new windows. The only exception would be an older home with windows that are badly deteriorated.

Doors
Replacing caulking and weather-stripping around older doors will help reduce drafts, but insulated replacement doors are more efficient. These doors are made of two sheets of metal or fiberglass bonded to a polyurethane foam center. This type door, equipped with gasket weather-stripping, seals like a refrigerator door to reduce drafts.

Storm doors are also an option and work along the same principle as storm windows. The storm door develops an insulating air space between the door and the storm door. This air space reduces the heat transfer into or out of the home.

Caulking and Weather Stripping
(Air-Infiltration)
Sealing the many air leaks around an older house is a good way to inexpensively improve comfort and efficiency. Doors, windows, ductwork, attic access – anywhere leaks can be found – are all candidates for improvement. Your local building supply store should stock an array of products from which to choose. Many of them are designed for easy installation and perfect fit. Rely on your Florida Public Utilities Energy Survey to help you identify where you need to caulk or weather-strip.

Air Distribution System
(Return Closet and Ductwork)
Duct leakage can account for major comfort problems, higher cooling and heating bills and even safety problems. For a professional evaluation, call Florida Public Utilities. If needed, our representative will provide you with a list of contractors certified to perform duct leakage testing and repairs.

	Locate your dryer where it has access to conditioned air. Humid air circulating through your dryer will increase drying time and energy costs.
	Separate loads into heavy and lightweight items. Light items take less drying time and energy demand.
	You can maximize airflow and efficiency by cleaning the lint filter after each use.
	Keep dryer vents free of lint. A clogged vent wastes energy.
	Over drying garments makes them feel harsh and wastes energy. Experiment to find the correct setting for fluff dried clothes. Natural materials such as cotton and wool should retain some moisture to avoid wrinkling.
	Dry loads of clothes immediately one after another. With the dryer already warm, you don’t waste energy bringing it back up to the desired temperature each time.
	Use your clothesline on sunny days. Sunshine is free.