Residential Comfort & Energy EfficiencySunday, February 04 2024
As a former window contractor turned certified energy auditor, my journey has been filled with many "real-life" learning lessons. This intriguing sixteen-month tale underscores a crucial aspect of home improvement — window replacement and its impact on home comfort. The exciting revelations unfold over three pivotal stages, each marked by a blower door test, a method used to measure a home's air tightness.
I hope this story may change how you prioritize your next home improvement project. The First Revelation – Conducting the AssessmentIn January 2022, I did a comprehensive home energy audit for a lovely young couple in Silver Spring, Maryland. The homeowners were convinced their drafty, cold experience was due to leaky windows, a notion that resonated with my past teachings as a window contractor.
Armed with new expertise and tools, I set out to find the root causes of their complaints. After a visit to the attic, it was not a surprise that the home’s initial blower door test reading was a staggering 4187 CFM (cubic feet per minute). The homeowner was especially intrigued when the front window, reportedly the coldest area of the house, did not seem to be leaking nearly as much air as the recessed light in the hallway.
Air flowed out of every crack and crevice at the top of the basement wall, and the pull-down stair cover, which had been in place since the 1980s, did little to nothing to stop the air from streaming in during the test.
A follow-up report highlighted several significant gaps in the attic with photos and recommended measures for improving their home's energy performance. Section 2: The Second Test - A Lesson in Air SealingFast forward one year later - to January 2023. The couple, now parents, reached back out, ready to seal and insulate the attic and basement. The timing worked out, and we got it done before installing the new windows they had on order. Once my work was done - I decided to take another reading. The results were astonishing — a 51% reduction in air leakage, with the air leakage number dropping to 2042 CFM. This dramatic change is a testament to the sometimes overlooked and often-underestimated value of proper air sealing and insulation over window replacements for improving comfort and efficiency.
WATCH THE FULL PODCAST EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
Section 3: The Final Assessment - Post-Window ReplacementA commitment to empirical evidence brought me back to the house once the new windows were in place. It was time for the final blower door test to see how well the new windows sealed the house. The overall air leakage number was again reduced to 1805 CFM, translating into a 6% decrease from the initial reading. This comparison (51% vs. 6%) provided a quantifiable insight into the impact of window replacement on a home's air tightness and comfort.
Conclusion: Rethinking Window ReplacementReplacing windows may not be the solution for home comfort that many assume. While they can enhance aesthetics, improve functionality, and offer other benefits, they play a more minor role in energy conservation than one might think. The key takeaway from my experience is simple: prioritize air sealing and insulation for comfort and consider window replacement for other values. Home improvement is as much about the unseen as the seen, and a well-informed decision can lead to a beautiful and comfortable living space. If you've enjoyed this revelation and wish to hear more about such home comfort tactics, tune into the podcast episode or visit us at hometrustremodeling.com. Let's open the windows to a new perspective and breeze into a future of informed home enhancements.
Questions are welcome, and I would love to know if this article has helped you. eric@hometrustremodeling.com Monday, August 14 2023
Let's face the facts about crawl spaces. They leave a lot to be desired. Most crawl spaces are difficult to access in most cases they are stuffy, dusty, and full of insects. To make matters more complicated there are so many questions about how to properly seal and insulate an open crawl space. For example: When should crawl space vents be open? As an energy auditor, certified through the local Maryland utility, it is important to properly examine a crawl space in a number of different scenarios which can be complicated. My method of simplifying the way I think helps me figure out the right solutions and explain them in easy-to-understand ways to the homeowner. The information below is common insights required to make an informed decision about how to properly treat your crawl space.
Old School Thinking: I See Insulation Everything is FineIf you live in a home on a crawl space there is a very good chance that you think that this just is the way it is and there is not much you can do. When you first moved in you ambitiously went into the crawl and you saw insulation below the floor. Everything seemed fine. Maybe you have never looked in the direction of your crawl space, or any crawl space for that matter, and have no idea what one may look like. If that is the case, have a look at this video taken during a BGE energy audit of a typical open crawl space.
When Should Crawl Space Vents Be Open?If possible, crawl space vents should always be blocked and sealed. Crawl space vents provide virtually no benefit by being open. The problem is that you can't control what air moves into the crawl space and when it turns hot and humid or cold and dry, the open vent solution is not the best for climates that have seasonal changes like Maryland. You cannot count on enough dry, average-temperature days in a row to sufficiently dry out the crawl space. Additionally, considering the vents are typically not nearly large enough or often times obstructed, your crawl space does not stand much of a chance for success and as a result, your indoor comfort and air quality suffer and your energy bills are high. Check out one common issue due to open crawl space vents. Open Crawl Spaces: Two Seasonal Problems
|
BOUNDARY LOCATION REQUIRED R-VALUE MARYLAND |
|
---|---|
Attic Flat | |
Ending R-value of 49 or as space allows | |
Attic Slope | |
Ending R-value of 38 or as space allows | |
Vertical Wall (basement, crawl space, knee wall) |
|
Ending R-value of 11 or greater | |
Crawl Space Ceiling | |
Ending R-value of 25 or as space allows | |
Below Cantilever | |
Ending R-value of 25 or as space allows | |
Rim Joist (top of foundation wall in basement) |
|
Ending R-value of 19 or greater |
Determine what Type of Insulation You Have
Different attic insulation materials and levels yield wide-ranging R-values.
So, it is first important to determine the type of insulation that is in your attic.
Typical Insulation Materials Found in Maryland Attics
- Fiberglass batts
- Loose-fill fiberglass
- Loose-fill cellulose
- Mineral wool
- Two-part spray foam
Identifying the Most Common Maryland Insulation Types
Cellulose Loose Fill
General Characteristics
- Grey in color
- More dusty and clingy than other materials
- Has bits of newspaper in it
- Good fire/mold retarder w/ additives
Rolled Fiberglass Batt Insulation
General Characteristics
- Typically referred to as batt insulation
- Has the kraft paper or aluminum foil on one side
- Recognizable due to the "Pink Panther" commercials
- Must be installed flawlessly (unforgiving)
- Low R-value per inch if not installed properly
Fiberglass Loose Fill
General Characteristics
- Typically white shreds, pink squares or yellow shreds
- Much less dusty
- Lower cold weather performance than cellulose
Determine Your Attic Insulation's Condition
The condition of the existing insulation in an attic is also important. Obtaining the information will assist in generating a reliable return on investment reporting. Current conditions can also reveal clues about future comfort gains.
R-value can be misleading if several factors are not met:
- Installation integrity
- Missing pressure boundary (air sealing around gaps/voids)
- Overall insulation coverage (distribution)
Your insulation should get a rating of "poor", "moderate" or "well" insulated.
Attic Insulation in Poor Condition
Insulation with large gaps and voids. Missing insulation greater than 2% of the insulated area.
Attic Insulation in Moderate Condition
Insulation with defects and gaps around wiring, electrical outlets, plumbing, and other intrusions. Rounded edges or "shouldered". The amount of fill is incomplete, but rarely dips less than 30% of the intended thickness. Gaps and spaces running clear through the insulation should be no more than 2% of the insulated area.
Well Insulated Attic Characteristics
The insulation has no large gaps or voids around obstructions. The insulation appears to fit in any cavity side-to-side and top-to-bottom. The insulation appears to be around wiring and other services in the area.
Different Insulation Types & Conditions = Different R-Values
The values for the corresponding condition of your attic insulation can be multiplied by the number of inches you have to see where your attic falls on the scale.
- Loose Fill Cellulose
New: 3.60 R-value per inch
Existing Well: 3.60
Existing Moderate: 3.13 R-value per inch
(Example: 6" = R19; 10" = R31)
Existing Poor: 2.7 R-value per inch
- Fiberglass Batt Insulation
New: 3.14 R-value per inch
Existing Well: 2.67
Existing Moderate: 2.10 R-value per inch
(Example: 6" = R13; 10" = R21)
Existing Poor: 1.26 R-value per Inch
- Loose Fill Fiberglass
New: 3.14 R-value per inch
Existing Well: 3.14
Existing Moderate: 2.73 R-value Per inch
(Example: 6" = R16; 10" = R27)
Existing Poor: 2.36
How Much Does Insulation Cost in Maryland?
Watch a uniformly blown cellulose attic insulation job in progress!
Maryland Insulation Rebates
How the Insulation Program Works
Maryland Utilities (BGE & Pepco) offer a portfolio of programs promoting energy efficiency and conservation, including rebates, education, and services. The program is designed around a consultative approach.
Air sealing and insulation are considered the most important measures to complete to achieve energy efficiency - before windows, doors, and replacing older HVAC.
The initial qualifier for rebates is to get a home energy audit.
LEARN MORE
Maryland Residents Learn More About the Inflation Reduction Act Here
Take the Next Step
Don't hesitate. Schedule online. Only $100 in the end.
Get a home energy audit & get questions answered such as:
Why is the room on the front of the house colder?
Do you have enough insulation?
Why is it so stuffy upstairs during the summer?
Should I remove old insulation from my attic?
Why does my HVAC run all of the time?
Is spray foam insulation the best solution for my home?
Why are my new windows feeling drafty?
Do my walls have insulation?
Wanna know more about the home energy audit process?
Energy Audit Guides
-2023 BGE Energy Audit-
-2023 Pepco Energy Audit-
Do you need an energy audit?
Check your house for any of these 5 signs...
A home energy audit is the GPS of home improvements...
Turn-by-turn directions to better comfort & energy efficiency.
Schedule yours today!
Un-insulated Areas Play a Heavy Hand in Poor R-Values
Now let's go a little deeper and explore the impact of un-insulated surfaces. It may surprise you how important having an even blanket of insulation is for getting a great result.
If you notice any area in your attic that does not have insulation then pay attention to the information below!
This typical Maryland attic is a great example of what the impact of missing insulation can have.
The attic area in the home pictured above is 975 square feet and flat (R-49 recommended in Maryland).
You will notice 1" of blown-in fiberglass insulation and 7" of rolled fiberglass batting laid on top.
In this scenario, the attic has roughly 8" of insulation in "most" of the areas that need it. Later you will learn how to use the depth to determine the R-value. In this case, the attic is R-17...
But, there is a catch!
There are two major un-insulated areas in this attic (very common in Maryland attics).
1. A three-foot by three-foot push up hatch
2. A three-foot by three-foot whole house fan
Equaling a total of 18 square feet of un-insulated area on the attic floor.
This equates to just about 2% of the attic area (18 divided by 975).
Typical hallway push-up hatch leading to an under-insulated Maryland attic. Watch how a hatch gets treatment.
The hatch from the attic has a plywood cover (seen in the background)
Whole house fan is seen from the attic.
With the use of the HOME ENERGY SCORE CALCULATOR, we are able to calculate the impact un-insulated surfaces have on insulation performance.
The picture gets clear!
What ends up happening with this common scenario is not good. A mere 18 square feet of missing insulation has a big impact. The expected R-value reduces down from 17 to 13 for the entire attic!
That translates to hot summer nights and cold winter drafts and high energy bills to pay.
REASON:
According to Dr. Allison Bailes of Energy Vanguard, the heat flows through the bare areas fast. Based on his article, the air leaves in the un-insulated ceiling area are as much as 38 times faster than in the insulated areas.
Conclusion
Be sure to measure your attic insulation in a precise fashion. Different areas that have different levels should be separate. Each area will get an R-value assessment. Along with knowing the condition, this weighted average calculator can then help you determine your attic's R-value.
Written by Eric Gans, Building Analyst & Envelope Professional
I'm a certified energy auditor and insulation contractor in Maryland. I have completed over 2000 energy audits and taken over 2000 trips to an attic.
Maryland Home Insulation Guide
An under-insulated attic is the #1 reason for poor home comfort and high energy bills. Use this guide for Maryland home and attic insulation solutions.
Well-Insulated Attic
3 Characteristics
1. No significant gaps
2. Fits in any cavity
3. 13-18" Depth
Does that look or sound like your attic insulation?
Not likely...ENERGY STAR says 9 out of 10 homes are under-insulated, and everything I see in Maryland attics proves it.
According to a recent Forbes Magazine article, there are approximately 124 million houses in the United States, and roughly 20% were built before 1980. Older homes mean older, outdated methods of insulating that don't measure up to today's standards.
So where do you begin? This guide can help. It will answer many of the questions homeowners have about insulation.
RESOURCE TOPIC LINKS
Whole-House Assessments
🌞 Seasonal Guidance ❄️
Insulation Guidance Tools
Is Insulation Worth It?
Which Insulation Is Best?
💵 How Much Does Insulation Cost?
Home Performance Solutions
Maryland Rebates & Tax Credits ℹ️
If your home is older than ten years, then you are likely not meeting the 2023 Maryland home insulation building code. If you see insulation, it does not mean it is working for you.
You gotta know what to look for...
The State of Maryland recommends that our attics have enough insulation to equal R-49.
Existing insulation in a Maryland attic is inconsistent for a variety of reasons. Air sealing and insulation are essential for a tight, energy-efficient home.
Get a Whole-House Energy Assessment
Start Your Journey
If you know you need insulation services in Maryland and are looking for a logical next step; it might be a good time for an energy audit.
Feel free to set up your Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® energy audit now and then bail out of this guide.
If you are not sure, I recommend exploring the resources below. You can learn more about the BGE and Pepco Programs. The $100 assessment can help you navigate to a more efficient home:
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Reporting (Video)
-Getting a feel for how the energy audit report works and what it measures can make the "lightbulb" go off!
BGE Energy Savers and Pepco Energy Savings Program
-Learn about how the program works to help Maryland homeowners find the right solutions.
Approved BGE and Pepco Contractor (About Us)
-From window contractor to Building Science student - experience in the field shines through.
Find YOUR Pathway - Dial In On Your Comprehensive Energy Audit
-Getting an energy audit is the first step in a successful journey towards improved home comfort and lower energy usage.
5 Signs You Need a Home Energy Audit
-Homeowners can use these five signs around the house to determine if a home energy audit is worth the investment.
Example Energy Audits Based on the Style of House
-Examples include Cape Cod, Colonial, with Garage, Rancher
Home Energy Audit Takeaways - Short YouTube Series
-Thirteen episodes do a great job of taking you through several insulation scenarios, including treatment and results.
Summer & Winter Insulation Guidance
Attic insulation can significantly impact your comfort, energy bill, and HVAC performance. A well-insulated attic can make an old heating and cooling system seem new.
Insulation will gain your respect on an extreme weather day! Attic insulation in Maryland homes is vital to comfort each season.
Summer: Insulation improves a home's defense against the heat in several ways. Check out these resources to help you keep cool when the heat rises:
Controlling Hot Upper Floors
-Learn about modern air sealing and insulation techniques in Maryland that can help you improve hot upper floors during the summer.
Ways to Maximize Your HVAC Performance
-In Maryland, HVAC ducts should be sealed and insulated if they run outside of the living space.
Reduce Indoor Humidity
-Learn how to avoid blaming the wrong source and spending money on the wrong solution.
Winter: We place caps on our children's heads on a cold day to keep the heat from escaping, and we need to do the same to our homes. Check out these great ways to change the trend and get a hold of always being cold:
Preventing Rapid Heat Loss
-Attic air sealing is one of the most effective ways to improve home comfort and energy efficiency - learn the basics.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
-Learn about the relationship between indoor air quality, air changes per hour, and energy efficiency for your home.
5 Things That Are Not So Obvious to Help with A Cozier Home
-Use these 5 do-it-yourself tips in 2023 to improve comfort and reduce energy bills.
Get All Of Your Rooms Back!
-Check out how this family strived toward a comfortable addition, but the effort fell short and was unusable in cold months.
Insulation Guidance Tools
Tool # 1 The R-Value Calculator
Use this helpful tool to determine your current attic R-value and get a feel for where your protective barrier stands against current recommendations.
You need to take two steps for this tool to work.
STEP 1: Get Your Attic's Current R-Value
Tasks Required
1. Determine the type of insulation you have in the attic now.
2. Determine your current insulation level in inches and note any areas (up to three) with major level variants.
3. Determine the condition of your current insulation.
STEP 2: Calculate Your Attic Area
Tasks Required
1. Measure the length and width from below for any attic area to calculate the square footage.
2. Note the exact square footage of any area with different insulation levels (up to three). Use a laser measure to make it easy!
Once completed, you will be much closer to knowing if you are up to the Maryland building code and ENERGY STAR.
Tool # 2 The Home Self-Assessment
Use this survey to determine if getting an energy audit is worth the money.
If you are like most, chances are you do not want to visit your attic and dig around.
A better way to get your insulation checked is to get an energy audit.
Is Getting Home Attic Insulation Worth It?
The insulation your attic needs will depend on how much is there now. Getting it right will ensure you earn the best return on your investment (ROI) and meet the 2023 Maryland building codes.
This can be a little tricky. Calculations can be off if the information is not gathered right. The condition, coverage, and depth of the insulation are each important.
Take notice if you have any area in your attic that does not have insulation.
One example is 18 square feet of uninsulated area in a 1000-square-foot attic. It reduces the R-value. Missing insulation will lead to comfort problems and high energy bills.
REASON:
According to Dr. Allison Bailes of Energy Vanguard, the heat flows through the bare areas fast. He says warm air leaves in the un-insulated ceiling area 38 times faster than in the insulated areas.
To learn more about this common insulation problem, look at this article about how uninsulated areas play a heavy hand in poor R-values.
Which Insulation is Best for Maryland Homes?
It is essential to measure insulation through a different lens. Try not to focus on which insulation is better. Instead, please focus on the proper R-value, especially for the places where it is most important.
There are two things to know about R-value:
1. How to Measure R-Value
Insulation has one job - to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation resists heat transfer.
2. How R-Value Requirements Change
As your home's features twist and turn, insulation requirements change. R-values decrease in less critical areas.
For example, a knee wall created by a sloped ceiling needs less R-value but a knee wall does require special care and attention in other ways.
Knee walls are common in Maryland.
Check out this comprehensive article about attic insulation requirements and understanding the R-value, particularly for Maryland houses.
The attic is the most important place to insulate first. Other areas should also get treatment, such as:
Basement Insulation (Video)
-Properly sealing and insulating a basement in the right places can yield excellent results.
Overhangs/Cantilever Insulation (Video)
-Properly insulating a cantilever in Maryland requires a contractor that is familiar with siding, insulation, and carpentry.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
-Modern air sealing and insulation techniques can turn a dark crawl space into the reason your home is more comfortable.
Typical Insulation Materials Found Around Maryland Houses
- Loose-fill cellulose
- Fiberglass batts
- Loose-fill fiberglass
- Mineral wool
- Two-part spray foam
The values for the corresponding condition of your attic insulation can be multiplied by the number of inches you have to see where your attic falls on the scale. Learn how to determine your attic insulation type, condition, and current R-Value.
Batt Insulation: Prevalent and, unfortunately, the worst performer.
How Much Does Insulation Cost?
Home Performance contractors look for insulation fixes in existing homes that will make the most impact for the lowest cost. Accessible areas are first priority and usually the most important. Investigation and testing play a role in helping to shape solution decisions. Taking this approach will factor in the overall cost.
Here are important considerations if you plan to insulate your home:
Insulation Misperceptions & Incorrect Solutions
-Nobody likes to go down the wrong rabbit hole when fixing a problem.
Building Pressure Boundary
-Don't skip a step to save money by adding insulation without sealing first.
Building Thermal Boundary
-Do you really need to pay to remove the insulation before adding more?
Skilled Building Science Technicians
-Hiring a contractor with certifications and experience is essential and worth the investment.
Testing & Measuring Results (Video)
-Home Performance contractors use sophisticated equipment to measure results for calculated ROI.
Intro to Home Performance
ENERGY STAR® says to look at the many systems around your home. Evaluating the "whole house" can lead to better comfort and efficiency. Their stats show that 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated.
According to the EPA, existing houses have several opportunities for energy-efficient improvements. Many discoveries go beyond replacement windows and cost less than windows.
Home Performance Categories:
Attic and Whole Home Air Sealing
-Air sealing the right places in your home will improve comfort and lower your energy bills.
Attic & Basement Insulation
-Insulation, in tandem with air sealing, are a dynamic duo that will solve hot rooms and cold drafts.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
-Learn about why making a crawl space like the San Diego climate without the sun is the way to go.
Whole Home and Attic Ventilation
-A well-installed bathroom exhaust fan in Maryland should include testing and venting to the outdoors.
HVAC Duct Sealing and Insulation Improvements
-Duct leakage assessments to stop condensation issues and improve the HVAC system's overall efficiency.
IECC New Construction Energy Compliance Testing
-Air leakage testing requires a certified and experienced technician to comply with Maryland's new construction energy codes.
Exterior Insulation Solutions
-Overhangs and other odds and ends.
Maryland Rebates & Tax Credits
How the Insulation Program Works
Maryland Utilities (BGE & Pepco) offer a portfolio of programs promoting energy efficiency and conservation, including rebates, education, and services. The program is designed around a consultative approach.
Air sealing and insulation are considered the most critical measures to complete to achieve energy efficiency - before windows, doors, and replacing older HVAC. The initial qualifier for rebates is to get a home energy audit.
Get a home energy audit & get questions answered, such as:
Why is the room on the front of the house colder?
Do you have enough insulation?
Why is it so stuffy upstairs during the summer?
Should I remove old insulation from my attic?
Why does my HVAC run all of the time?
Is spray foam insulation the best solution for my home?
Why are my new windows feeling drafty?
Do my walls have insulation?
Learn much more about the programs designed to help YOU
How to Unlock Maryland Utility Rebates
-Learn how to correctly insulate your Maryland attic and unlock 2023 BGE and Pepco rebates.
Attic Insulation Rebates for BGE Customers
-Qualifying for BGE energy rebates depends on an energy audit through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.
PEPCO Customer Attic Insulation Rebates
-Pepco energy saving rebates are unlocked after getting a comprehensive energy audit.
Inflation Reduction Act & Maryland Homeowners
-Maryland residents can learn to use the new Inflation Reduction Act.
2023 Complete BGE Energy Audit Guide
-Get All YOUR questions answered with this comprehensive guide about all things related to a BGE home energy audit.
Complete 2023 Pepco Energy Audit Guide
-Learn more about all things related to a comprehensive Pepco home energy audit.