when you sea your
º the whole world
feels the difference.
S.
º
Money isn't All You're Saving
US Environmental Protection Agency and US Depa
EPA 430F-02-002 June 2002









w HAT is ENER GY STA Rºº
ENERGY STAR provides consumers with energy-
efficient solutions, giving individuals the power to help
protect our planet for future generations.
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol
for energy efficiency. It identifies new homes,
buildings, and over 30 types of products that are
energy efficient and do not sacrifice the features,
quality, and personal comfort that today's consumers
expect. Products that can earn the ENERGY STAR include
appliances, lighting, home office equipment, consumer
electronics, and heating and cooling equipment.
ENERGY STAR also provides important recommendations
for product installation and home improvement so you
get the most comfort and energy savings from the
products and services you purchase. Saving energy
also saves you money and helps protect the
environment. To get started, visit the Home Energy
Yardstick at www.energystar.gov/yardstick and find out
how efficiently you use energy at home.
|Mººº Yº Yºº - 9 Mººſ " ... ºº
ENER GY B LLs w T H E NER GY STAR Ho M E S E A LIN G
Home Sealing is a process recommended by ENERGY
STAR to help increase the comfort and energy
efficiency of your home by improving the "envelope" –
the outer walls, ceiling, windows, and floors. To improve
the envelope of your home.
Add insulation to stay
- rtable during
eriods of extreme
temperatures:
For detailed guidance on ENERGY STAR Home Sealing
and energy-saving solutions for your home, visit
www.energy star.gov/home improvement and click on
"Home Sealing."
Seal air leaks to stop drafts and get ful performance
from your insulation; and
Choose ENERGY STAR labeled windows when
replacing old windows.
Fºr more information
visit www.energystar.gov.
Or call 333-STAR-YES
(1-888-782–7937).
*/12
Money isn't All You're Saving

HOME SEAL ING B E N E FITS
Sealing air leaks and properly installing insulation
improves the comfort in every room of your home by
reducing cold on hot outer walls and eliminating drafts
from cracks and gaps. Air sealing and insulating can
also reduce the amount Of noise that enters the home
from the Outdoors.
Nearly half of the average homeowner's
energy use goes toward heating and cooling.
Effective air sealing, combined with the
right amount of insulation, can cut heating
and cooling costs by up to 20 percent.
Sealing and insulating your home while allowing
proper ventilation can make your home a healthier
place in which to live. A well-sealed home can help
prevent pollutants such as pollen, chemical vapors
from the garage, and can exhaust from entering the
home. Decreasing the amount of moist air that leaks
through the house and adding insulation can also
reduce mold and mildew growth on or inside walls
and ceilings.
HELP PROTECT
THE ENVIRONMENT
| Did you know that your house can be a greater source
of pollution than your Car? In fact, 15 percent of all
greenhouse gases are generated from the energy used
in houses nationwide.
Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning
of fossil fuels at power plants. This contributes to a host of
- - air pollution problems, including
Smog, acid rain, and global
warming. Simply put the less
*/12 energy we use in our homes the
Mºney sºlº saving less air pollution we generate.

| M. P ROVING Y O U R HOME ENVELOPE
The exterior of your home is also called the envelope or shell.
(See the orange line showing the envelope in the diagram
below.) The insulation outer walls, ceiling, windows, and
º º
Home envelope
floors all work together to
educe airflow and prevent
moisture from entering your
home. A high-performance -
envelope helps maintain
consistent temperatures even
under extremely hot or cold
Conditions.
|NSULATION - |
Adding insulation can reduc
the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home and
can help provide consistent comfort in every part of your home,
all year long. The most common types of insulation are
cellulose, fiberglass, rigid foam, rock Wool, and spray foam.
HDDEN AIR LEAKS
An eaks can make your home uncomfortable Drafty
Windows and doors, cold walls or ceilings, and ice build-up
or ice dams on the roof are all symptoms of air leaks or poor
insulation. Fixing them will help save energy and
improve the durability and comfort of your home. Look for
these common air leaks in your house:
• Holes that lead down intº the
house from the attic or up from
the basement
• Gaps around pipes, wires, and
electrical outlets in the Wall
• Gaps around the dryer vent
• Aſ eaks around the bathroom
ºf kitcher fan Vents
• Areaks around recessed
ights
• Air leaks around the attic door
of hatch
• Gaps around the chimney or
furnace fue
The sum of these small openings can equal
as much airflow as an open window-and, more
importantly, a higher energy bill.
There are many ways to fix air leaks, such as caulking, using
Spray foam, and Weather stripping for closing smaller cracks

AIR LEAKS
PLUMBING |
STACK VENT ||
BATHROOM
FAN VENT
ELECTRICAL
OUTLE
and gaps Plywood, drywall, and rigid foam insulation may be
used for plugging larger holes. Sheet metal and high-
temperature caulking can be used to close gaps around
chimneys and furnace flues. -
ENERGY STAR LABELIED WINDOWS
Windows are an important part of the home envelope. If you
are remodeling or building an addition, consider replacing old
windows with ENERGY STAR labeled models. They increase
comfort eliminate drafts, reduce UV damage to interior fabrics,
and can cut home heating and Cooling costs.
HOW TO GET STARTED -
For the best results, ENERGY STAR recommends working with a
home energy professional and/or insulation contractor in your
area. These professionals offer a range of services – everything
RECESSED
LIGHTS
* KTCHEN
FAN VENT
- ==º cºrpoos
CRAWL *~1. FAUCET
-
º
2- Air leaking into the house
_º - Air leaking out of the house
from testing your home and identifying areas for
mprovement to actually making the energy-saving
upgrades. Visit WWWenergystar.gov/homeimprovement
and click on "Home Sealing" to find professionals in your
area who can help you make energy-efficient improvements.
After air sealing, be sure to have a professional
check your home's ventilation and test combustion
appliances to be sure they are properly venting.
For "handy" homeowners, there are do-it-yourself
measures that you can take to improve your home's
envelope. Sealing air leaks around Windows and
doors, covering attic hatches, and adding insulation
to the attic are good ways to improve the comfort
and energy efficiency of your home yourself.

OF MICHIGAN
Illinºiſ
8543 3988
|
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&EPA
UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
6202J .
WASHINGTON DC 20460