This Step is Critical Before Insulating Your Attic

When your house is cold, the easiest solution is to turn up the heat. But turning up the heat means higher energy bills. Continue below to find out what could be causing the uneven temperatures in your home and how it can be solved.

The Stack Effect

When heating your home, do you ever notice how the second floor is considerably warmer than the bottom floor? This is because unsealed cracks and spaces in the attic, as well as doors and windows on the main floors, allow air to escape from the home, and cold air from the basement or crawlspace replaces it. This is called the stack effect and it could be costing you money.

How does this affect you as the homeowner?

When this cold air from the basement replaces the warm air that is forced out of the attic, it creates uneven temperatures throughout your home and costs more money to heat the new, cold air. 

How do I fix this issue and save money on heating costs?

Many people are familiar with caulking and weatherstripping, but what most fail to realize is that they only solve part of the problem because the two methods seal cracks, doors, and windows along the perimeter of the main and second floors of the home. Air leaking into and out of the basement and attic is the main component with the stack effect, and caulking and weatherstripping do not address this issue. 

So what is the proper way to keep your house comfortable and save money? Air sealing with spray foam insulation is the only type of insulation that will air seal your home properly, specifically closed cell foam.

Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis offers a blower door test. This test is performed by our technicians, and will help determine where these leaks are coming from, such as from dropped ceilings, electrical outlets, and gaps around windows and doors. After caulking and weatherstripping the main floors and air sealing the attic and basement/crawlspace, we will perform another test to confirm the house is now sealed effectively.

Visit Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis to find out more on how we can help you keep your house comfortable and save you money. For a free estimate and more information contact us today!