Denby Energy Home Energy Consultant Program

Denby Energy Home Energy Consultant Program

Module 5:

Insulation,

Doors and Windows

Module 5:

Insulation,

Doors and Windows

Denby Energy, LLC © 2009, All Rights Reserved

1Insulation

a Types of Insulation

b R Value

c Inspecting

2Air Leaks and Gaps

a Finding Air Gaps

OutlineOutline

b Filling Air Gaps

c Problems with Tightness

4Windows

Outline (continued)Outline (continued)

a Types

bBarriers

3Fireplaces

5Summary

InsulationInsulation

According to Energy Star, 20% can be saved on heating and cooling by using proper insulating and sealing.

Insulation: Types Insulation: Types Form Insulation

MaterialsWhere Applicable Insulation Methods Advantages

Blanket or Batts

Fiberglass, mineral wool, plastic fibers, natural fibers

Unfinished walls Fitted between studs, joists and beams

Do-it-yourself

Foam Board or Rigid Foam

Polystyrene, Polyisocyanurate (polyiso), Poylurethane

Unfinished walls Must be covered with building code approved materials for fire safety

High insulation value for relatively little thickness

Loose Fill Cellulose, Fiberglass, Mineral Wool

Existing wall or open new wall cavities, unfinished attic floors; hard to reach places

Blown into places using special equipment; sometimes poured in

Good for adding insulation to existing finished areas

Sprayed Foam

Cementitious, Phenolic, Polyisocyanurate, Polyurethane

Enclosed existing wall or open new wall cavities, unfinished attic floors

Sprayed in Good for adding insulation to existing finished areas

Reflective System

Foil-faced kraft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles, cardboard

Unfinished walls, ceilings and floors

Foils, films, or papers: fitted between wood frame studs, joists, beams

Do-it-yourself, effectiveness varies

Insulation: InspectingInsulation: Inspecting

What You See What It Probably Is

Depth (inches)

Total R-Value

Loose Fibers

Light weight yellow, pink, or white dense gray or near-white, may have black specks

FiberglassRock wool

= 2.5 x depth= 2.8 x depth

Small gray flat pieces or fibers (from newsprint)

Cellulose = 3.7 x depth

Granules Light-weight Vermiculite or perlite

= 2.7 x depth

Batts Light-weight yellow, pink or white

Fiberglass = 3.2 x depth

• Inspect the attic and any other areas of the house where there might be exposed insulation, such as walls and floors adjacent to the unheated space, like a garage or basement.

• Check for gaps in the insulation• Check for compression of the insulation