ENERGY STAR
       U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
        eal and
         *,
       Insulate with
       ENERGY STAR


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                                                           WHY SEAL AND  INSULATE?

                                                           Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your
                                                           home—its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and
                                                           floors—is often the most cost effective way to improve
                                                           energy efficiency and comfort. A knowledgeable
                                                           homeowner or skilled  contractor can save up to 20% on
                                                           heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% on total annual
                                                           energy bills) by sealing and insulating.

                                                           To Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR:
                                                           • Seal  air leaks throughout the home to stop drafts,
                                                           • Add insulation to block heat loss in winter and heat
                                                            gain in summer, and

                                                           • Choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows when
                                                            replacing.
                                                            BENEFITS
                                                            • Lower utility bills

                                                            • Improved comfort, especially during summer
                                                              and winter

                                                            • Reduced noise from outside

                                                            • Less pollen, dust, and insects entering your home

                                                            • Better humidity control
                                                           GETTING STARTED
                                                           If your attic is accessible and you like home improvement
                                                           projects, check out our DIY Guide to Sealing and
                                                           Insulating with ENERGY STAR, available at energystar.gov.
                                                           The Guide offers step-by-step  instructions for sealing
                                                           common air leaks and adding insulation to the attic.

                                                           For a more comprehensive approach, hire a contractor
                                                           that uses special diagnostic tools to pinpoint and seal the
                                                           hidden air leaks in your home.  Ask local insulating
                                                           companies or home energy professionals if they offer
                                                           these services.
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WHAT IS

ENERGY STAR*?

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed program that
helps us all to save  money and protect our environment
with energy-efficient products and practices. Whether
you are looking to replace old appliances, remodel your
home, or buy a new house, ENERGY STAR can help.

More than 60 kinds  of products, including lighting,
appliances, televisions, computers, heating and
cooling equipment,  and even new homes, can earn
the government's ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR
also offers best practice solutions, like sealing and
insulating your home, that can improve comfort and
reduce energy costs.


HELP PROTECT
THE ENVIRONMENT
Did you know that the average home produces twice the
greenhouse gases as the average car? In fact, 15 percent
of all greenhouse gases are generated from the energy
used in houses nationwide.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a voluntary partnership
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased
energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers consumers
and businesses energy-efficient solutions to save energy,
save money, and help protect the environment for future
generations.
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
Seal and
Insulate
with
ENERGY STAR
For more information on Seal and Insulate
with ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov
or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937)
SEAL AND INSULATE WITH
ENERGY STAR

• SEALING AIR LEAKS
  Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they
  are easy to feel—like those around windows and doors.
  But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces
  are usually bigger problems. These leaks can make your
  home uncomfortable, waste energy, and cost you money.
  Different types of products can be used to address
  different types of air leaks:
  • Caulk, spray foam, and  weather stripping for sealing
    smaller leaks;
  • Plywood, drywall, or rigid foam insulation for covering
    larger holes; and
  • Sheet metal and high-temperature  caulk to close gaps
    around chimneys and furnace flues.

•ADDING INSULATION
  Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and
  cool in the summer. There are several common types of
  insulation—fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms),
  cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. Reflective
  insulation (or radiant barrier) can also help save  energy
  in hot, sunny climates. When correctly installed,  each type
  of insulation can deliver  comfort and lower energy bills,
  especially during the hottest and coldest times of the year.
  Insulation performance is measured by R-value—its ability
  to resist heat flow. Higher R-values mean more insulating
  power. Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics,
  basements and crawlspaces, depending on your area of
  the country.
  Because insulation works best when air is not moving
  through or around it, it is important to seal air leaks before
  installing insulation to ensure that you get the best
  performance.

• CHOOSING ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED WINDOWS
  Windows are an important part of your home's envelope.
  If you are replacing windows as part of a home improvement
  project, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models to save
  energy and money, increase the comfort of your  home, and
  protectyour valuable possessions from sun damage. Also
  look for ENERGY STAR qualified doors and skylights.

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        Crawl Space
Source: U.S. EPA

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                         UNITED STATES
                         ENVIRONMENTAL
                         PROTECTION AGENCY
                         6202J
                         WASHINGTON DC 20460
Recycled/Recyclable—Printed with vegetable oil based inks on
    recycled paper (Minimum 50% post-consumer content)

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