Save Some Green by Sealing & Insulating Your Home

No one likes a cold, drafty home in winter or running the air conditioning 24/7 during summer. That’s why most homeowners invest the time and money into insulating their houses. Installing insulation in your attic and/or basement can go a long way toward making your home comfortable — no matter the season.

What you may not know is that insulation also has a big impact on your property’s sustainability. Anyone interested in making their home greener and reducing their environmental footprint should take a close look at sealing and insulating it. That’s because a properly insulated house, free from cracks and leaks, uses less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

Just about everyone knows the value of using fiberglass insulation in their attic or having foam boards underneath their flooring. However, there are many other areas of which individuals may not be aware when they take steps to insulate. For example, dryer and bathroom vents might have leaks around the edges that can allow cool air to escape during the warmer months.

Sealing these vents with caulk takes only a few minutes, but could save a hefty amount on utility bills. Another spot that’s often overlooked is windows. Many people use weather stripping, but storm windows or window inserts may be able to yield more savings — in addition to providing a better appearance. It’s also a good idea to use a special blanket around your water heater to prevent heat loss.

When you take the time to insulate and seal every potential trouble spot around your home, you’ll be rewarded with more than a cozier place for you and your family. You’ll also gain the knowledge that you’ve done a lot for your budget as well as the environment. For additional tips, take a look at the accompanying infographic.

Author bio: Kathryn Foster is Marketing Communications Specialist for Indow, a leading interior storm windows company. She has a passion for the written word and the environment, which is why she spends her time writing about energy-saving window inserts.