Now that winter is fast approaching, I thought it would be helpful to re-visit air leakage in homes. I have been getting many calls from homeowners who understandably are conveying a sense of urgency and want to do something as soon as possible to control heating costs.
Air leaks can constitute up to 40 percent of a home's heating costs and are often the most cost-effective place to start when evaluating and implementing energy conservation measures. A home should have an air exchange rate of 33 percent per hour under natural conditions, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Most homes, even newer ones, are leakier than this, and a homeowner's goal should be to achieve the 33 percent per hour standard.
Understanding a few basic energy principles can help homeowners in reducing their energy costs. One principle known as the "stack effect" is useful for homeowners to know in order to help you prioritize energy saving improvement options.
The stack effect, also referred to as the "chimney effect," is the movement of air in and out of buildings and is driven by temperature. When it is colder outside, the increased pressure of heated air builds at the top of the house, pushing out with greater-than-usual intensity. As air leaves, the laws of physics dictate that it must be replaced. Thus, cold air enters and it does so at the basement level—the lowest pressure position in the house. Cold air from above or below ground level enters into the house. During cold weather, the stack effect works 24/7 and thus is a significant contributor to increased energy costs.
To counteract the stack effect, the best place to start sealing air leaks is in the attic. It is often the easiest in terms of access, should be most cost effective, and will make the house feel more comfortable throughout. Foam insulation for larger gaps and caulking are two commonly used sealing materials. After the attic, the basement should be the next place to start sealing. The good news is that you can start taking action yourself to reduce your energy bills, and you can start doing it now.
Tim Gould is director of Energy Egghead, an Amesbury-based company that can be found at www.ENERGYEGGHEAD.COM and provides professional energy audit and conservation services. Information from EnergyStar.gov was used in this report.
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