A Major Source of Air Leakage in this Belleville, IL Home
Fireplaces are great but when they aren't being used they are a large source of air leakage. Chimney balloons can be installed to eliminate the wasted energy while the fireplace is not used. Chimney balloons are inflated in the chimney when the chimney is not being used then deflated when the chimney is in use.
Unsealed Top Plate In Belleville, IL
Unsealed top plates are a source of air loss in homes like this on in Belleville, Illinois. Unsealed top plates cause air returns to pull in a portion of attic air which leads to higher utility bills and lowers indoor air quality.
Fire Hazard in Belleville, IL Home
Hot pipes carry hot gases from a combustion appliance out of homes such as this one in Belleville, Illinois. Insulation should NEVER come into contact with a hot pipe because it creates a dangerous fire hazard.
Hot Pipe Melts Insulation in this Belleville, IL Home
This photograph shows the hot pipe once the insulation was removed from it. The insulation that came into contact with the hot pipe melted to it and created a dangerous fire hazard. This is why it is important to build a shield around hot pipes.
Why This Belleville, IL Home Should Have Its Rim Joist Air Sealed.
The rim joist is the site of the negative pressure plane in a home meaning that unconditioned outdoor air is pulled into homes through the rim joist. Air sealing the rim joist will increase indoor air quality and will also seal up access points for insects and other critters. Dirty insulation is a sure sign of air transfer.