Insulation“What about the Wall Insulation?”
Attics and basements usually remain accessible after a house is built, so it’s not a problem to upgrade the insulation in these areas. The same can’t be said for walls, since the insulation spaces between studs are hidden behind drywall and exterior siding. Here are three things that Dr. Energy Saver may suggest in our Home Energy Checkup to upgrade wall insulation and energy performance:
Start by air-sealing the walls and
weatherstripping exterior doors.
- Start by air-sealing the walls and weatherstripping exterior doors. These two upgrades cost far less than insulating walls, but can still make a significant impact on home energy efficiency.
- Blow insulation into wall cavities. It’s possible to drill access holes near the top of a wall and blow insulation into wall cavities. Holes are typically drilled from outside. Once the insulation is installed, the holes are plugged as inconspicuously as possible.
- Insulate walls when you’re replacing exterior siding. If the siding on the house is in bad shape and will need to be replaced soon, insulation can be added after the old siding is removed.
What the U.S. Department of Energy Says about Wall Insulation
The U.S. DOE states on their web site that properly insulated exterior walls in your house will not only increase
comfort but also help you save on heating and cooling costs. For energy savings, you can add insulation to your walls in an
existing house. Before insulating your walls, you should ensure that they're properly air sealed. Moisture control is another consideration.Dr. Energy Saver will check the wall insulation levels in your wall cavity as part of our Home Energy Checkup.
Read more about insulation materials.
