What steps can be taken to ensure energy efficiency?

Evaluating home efficiency can be as easy as taking a trip to the attic with a measuring tape and measuring the depth of attic insulation – the average home needs up to 19 inches of fiberglass attic insulation for maximum energy efficiency. Also, consider consulting an energy efficiency expert. The process usually involves taking an infrared photo of a home and is one of the simplest ways to determine how energy-efficient the home is. These are just a few examples, see “When should insulation be upgraded or replaced?” for additional steps.

There are several actions and measures that can be taken to maximize home energy efficiency, which can ultimately result in lower energy bills, rebates, and a cleaner, greener home.

This brief overview video shares tips and benefits on how to maximize energy efficiency, including detail on which insulation is best for a specific location and how to determine R-value. Among these, here are a few other actions to take:

Seal air leaks:

The attic is often the biggest culprit of energy drains, so start here when looking for potential air leaks from gaps, ducts, and cracks. Use caulk, spray foam or weather stripping to close such gaps, further reducing wasted energy. Air can also often escape from recessed lighting vents, so be sure to tightly secure insulation around these objects . Check out this helpful guide and video for how to best insulate an attic.

Plug gaps:

Warm or cool air can escape from gaps in insulation, so it’s important to ensure that all areas are properly plugged and air sealed – spray foam is an efficient way to fill these gaps. Speak with a contractor to get JMspray foam products intalled.  

Insulate the basement: A properly insulated basement can reduce heat loss from the home by as much as 25 percent.