WHAT IS HOME SEALINGHome Sealing is a process recommended by EPA to help increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home by improving the “envelope”—the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floors. To improve the envelope of your home: Seal air leaks to stop drafts and get full performance from your insulation; 

Add insulation to stay comfortable during periods of extreme temperatures; andChoose ENERGY STARqualified windows whenreplacing old windows. 

THE BENEFITS OF HOME SEALINGSealing air leaks and properly installing insulation in your home has many benefits: • Improved comfort during winter and summer; • Lower energy use which means lower energy bills; • A quieter home with less 

noise entering from outside; 

• Fewer holes for pollen, 

dust, pollution, and insects to enter the home; and 

• Improved durability by

reducing movement of moist air through the building structure. 

Effective air sealing, combined with the right amount of insulation, can make your home more comfortable and cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%. 

Insulation

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 6202J WASHINGTON DC 20460 

Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with vegetable oil based inks on 

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WHAT IS

ENERGY STAR

®

?

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. It identifies homes and more than 40 types of products and services that meet strict guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). With ENERGY STAR, consumers can save energy and money without sacrificing performance. EPA also provides important recommendations on products and installations to get the most in comfort and energy savings. Saving energy will also help protect the environment by reducing air pollution and global warming associated with energy production. HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENTDid you know that the average home produces twice the greenhouse gases as the average car? In fact, 15 percent of all greenhouse gases are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate. 

For more information on Home Sealing www.energystar.gov and clickon home improvement or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937) 

IMPROVING YOURHOME ENVELOPEThe exterior of your home is called the "envelope" or "shell". (See the orange line showing the envelope in the diagram above.) up of the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floor. your envelope can make yourhome more comfortable, especially under extremely hot or cold conditions, and help lower your energy bills. HIDDEN AIR LEAKS Air leaks can make your home uncomfortable. In the winter,drafty windows and doors, cold walls or ceilings, and ice build-up or ice dams on the roof are all symptoms of air leaks or poor insulation in the attic. In the summer, ceilings that are hot to the touch and upstairs rooms that are uncomfortably hot , no matter how low the A/C is set, can also be a sign of air leaks and insufficient insulation. air leaks can make your home more comfortable and help you get full performance from your insulation and your heating and cooling system. (See the house diagram on the next page showing common air leaks.) There are many ways to fix air leaks, such as caulking, using spray foam, and weather stripping for closing smaller cracks and gaps. Plywood, drywall, and rigid foam insulation may be used for plugging larger holes. Sheet metal and high-temperature caulking can be used to close gaps around chimneys and furnace flues. 

Home Envelope 

INSULATIONAdding insulation can reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home and can help provide consistent comfort in every part of your home, especially when the outside temperatures are the most extreme. common types of insulation are cellulose, fiberglass, rigid foam, rock wool, and spray foam. And remember t isimportant to seal air leaks before adding insulation ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED WINDOWS Windows are an important part of the home envelope. If you are remodeling or building an addition, consider replacing old windows with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR.They can make you feel more comfortable, reduce UV damage to interior fabrics and can cut home heating and cooling costs. 

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COMMONAIR LEAKS 

If you add up all the hidden air leaks in your home, they can equal a hole the size of an open window—and can lead to a higher energy bill. 

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It is important to seal air leaks first before adding insulation. 

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