Insulation

To understand what efficiency measures can be good for your home, evaluate them with the Department of Energy's Insulation Fact Sheet. This information can help you determine which insulation is best for your house and your climate. Or, you can follow these general guidelines:

Caulk and Weather-strip

• Apply weather stripping around doors and windows. Window putty can be used to seal gaps around loose window panes.
• Caulk leaking ducts and gaps around windows and the house siding.

 

Insulate Your Attic

• Begin with the insulation in your attic. Good attic insulation can save 20 to 35 percent in heating and cooling costs. Seal any gaps in windows, doorways, and air ducts with caulk and weather strips. This will help keep the warm air in your home and the cold air out.
• Make sure your attic is properly insulated for the size of the home and for the amount of direct sunlight that hits the roof during the day.

 

Weather-Proof Your Windows

• Replace old windows with newer, energy-efficient windows to reduce heat and air loss. A double-pane window retains twice as much heat as a single-pane window.
• Put blinds or shades on your windows. Blinds that are highly reflective can reduce the heat gain in your home by almost 45%.

 

Prepare Your Water Heater

• To reduce heat loss from your electric water heater, wrap it with an insulation jacket. By doing so, you can save up to $45 per year in operating costs. You can purchase a Water Heater Tank Wrap through our Green Mountain Power Perks online store.