Weatherization

Ecovise is experienced at weatherization and air sealing of new and existing homes.

Air Sealing

Air Sealing reduces the flow of outside air into the house, which improves the energy efficiency of your home. The most effective way to identify the problem areas is with a blower door decompression and infrared camera scan. These tests reveal to the naked eye precisely where outside air infiltrates the thermal envelope and collectively how much leakage exists in the structure. It is estimated that 30% of all heat loss is through cracks, gaps and holes in the attic.

Infiltration of Outside Air in Winter

Warm air inside a dwelling gives rise to stack-effect infiltration as it tries to escape from the top of the envelope, sucking in cold air at the bottom. Wind and leaks in duct systems can also have a major effect on infiltration, but these effects are not usually as constant over the heating season as is stack effect infiltration, which is at its worst on coldest days.

Fixing air infiltration problems should be high priority in improving the efficiency of the structure.

Home Sealing – Homeowners may choose to perform some of these projects for themselves but it is important to obtain the advise of a professional. If a building is tightened beyond acceptable standards, the air quality is diminished and the combustion appliances will not operate properly and affect the safety of the residents.

For do it yourself projects, see the Energy Star, Home Sealing – Do it yourself publication.In new construction, air sealing helps the home obtain an Energy Star rating.

BENEFITS

Air Sealing the building envelope can provide many benefits including:

Improved comfort. A tighter building envelope reduces the amount of unconditioned air, drafts, noise, and moisture that enter your home. Proper air sealing will also minimize temperature differences between rooms. As a result, tight envelopes can maintain a more consistent level of comfort throughout a house.

Improved indoor air quality. A tighter building envelope reduces the infiltration of outdoor air pollutants, dust and radon as well as eliminating paths for insect infestation. Properly sealing the building envelope will also reduce moisture infiltration from outdoor air in humid climates.

Increased construction quality. Building codes establish the legal minimum construction standards. ENERGY STAR qualified homes, constructed to exceed these codes with air sealing, can offer a better quality product.

Lower energy bills. Air leakage accounts for 25 percent to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling and also reduces the effectiveness of other energy-efficiency measures such as increased insulation and high-performance windows. Thus air sealing results in lower energy bills.

Fewer condensation problems. Condensation can lead to mold and mildew problems. In hot, humid climates, moisture can enter into wall cavities through exterior cracks and result in costly damage to framing and insulation. In cold climates, gaps in the interior walls allow moisture from warm indoor air to enter wall cavities and attics. This moisture can condense on cold surfaces and lead to structural damage. By significantly reducing air leakage, you can reduce or eliminate these problems.

Reduced obsolescence. Based on recent trends for improved efficiency and higher indoor air quality, tighter building envelopes are expected to become standard practice for the building industry. Since it is both difficult and costly to make the building envelope tighter after a house is constructed, it is best to seal all joints, holes and seams during construction. ENERGY STAR qualified homes constructed to exceed current building codes are therefore, expected to be less vulnerable to obsolescence.

ENERGY STAR® promotes the use of high-efficiency technologies and equipment to help homeowners improve the energy-efficiency of their homes. ENERGY STAR is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.