Home Weatherization
The typical home is said to have enough air leaks that's equivalent to having a window open year-round. If you're like the typical homeowner, that means you're basically wasting 20% or more of the energy you pay to heat and cool your home. Needless to say, weatherizing your home can add tremendous energy and cost savings.
In this article regarding weatherizing your home, we will dive in a little deeper and discuss why you need it, where to look for air leaks, and how to figure out if you need it.
It Goes Beyond the Savings
Yes, by weatherizing your Atlanta home you will feel more comfortable during the hottest and coldest of months, and save energy and money in the process. However, Atlanta weatherization goes further, beyond the idea of protecting the envelop of the house to prevent loss of energy from the unwanted exchange of inside and outside air.
Here's what you may not know: Preventing the unwanted circulation or infiltration of air also reduces humidity, dust and pollen; eliminates pests and noise; and even prevents the growth and spread of mold that may eventually compromise the integrity of a building support structure. In essence, you can say it's an investment in your health and your home.
- Sealing reduces humidity, dust and pollen
- Insulating eliminates pests and noise
- Caulking prevents growth and spread of mold
Where to Look for It
Before you know what to look for, you need to know where to look. You may already know gaps and cracks in window and door frames are one of the biggest culprits of drafts, but the infiltration actually occurs throughout the house in and around these common areas:
Air Leaks from the Outside
- Cable, TV and phone wiring
- Chimney
- Door and window frames
- Electronic outlets on exterior walls (inside the house)
- Gas service entraces
- Kitchen and dryer exhaust fans
- Mail chutes
- Outdoor faucet
- Wall air conditioning units
Air Leaks from the Inside
- Attic stairs / hatch
- Duct register
- Dropped soffit
- Plumbing vent stack
- Recessed lights
Other Problem Areas
- Attic space
- Basements
- Crawl space
- Floor
- Laundry room
- Space between foundation and walls
- Space between chimney and siding
- Roof
How to Look for It
The easiest way to get started is to call your local utility company to ask if they offer either a home audit / inspection rebate program (in exchange for the job of weatherizing your home) and/or cover a percentage of the cost of Atlanta weatherization.
