Seal and Insulate Your Home to Save Energy

Sealing air leaks and adding insulation are some of the most cost-effective ways to improve comfort and lower energy use at home. In fact, EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs. 

Start with Air Sealing

Many homes lose heated or cooled air through gaps and cracks around doors, windows, attics, and crawlspaces. Start with sealing air leaks first, then add insulation to slow the movement of heat through your attic, walls, and floors. 

Follow These 3 Steps

  1. Find air leaks. Look for areas with drafts or where you can see light shining through cracks around:
    • Doors and windows
    • Recessed lights and vents
    • Attic hatches
    • Plumbing and electrical penetrations
    • Crawlspaces and basements
  2. Seal air leaks. Use weatherstripping, caulk, or spray foam to close gaps and keep conditioned air inside your home.

  3. Add insulation. Once leaks are sealed, insulation — especially attic insulation — can help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

 

Where to Look for Air Leaks

Look for hidden leaks that may be wasting energy in some of the most common problem areas. 
  • Doors and windows: Gaps around the frames, sashes and thresholds
  • Attics and ceilings: Gaps around recessed lighting, attic hatches, and vents
  • Walls and baseboards: Small cracks around outlets, pipes, and cable openings
  • Floors and crawlspaces: Openings where plumbing, ductwork, or electrical wiring enters

How to Seal Air Leaks

There are many products available to help seal the air leaks in your home and it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here are some recommendations:

photo of a brochure with text
a person applies weather stripping to seal a gap in a window

Weatherstripping

For Doors and Windows

  • Use stick-on weatherstripping to seal gaps between window and door frames.
  • For gaps at the bottom of doors, consider installing a new threshold with weather stripping to create a better seal.
  • Closed-cell foam is denser and more durable than open-cell foam. It’s particularly useful for attic and crawlspace hatches.
  • V-channel weatherstripping is made of polypropylene with an adhesive back and is a great choice for sealing tight spaces in doors and windows. It folds in the middle, creating an effective air seal. 
A person applies silicone caulk to seal a window frame

Caulking

For Small Cracks and Holes

Silicone caulk is the most durable but cannot be painted. Urethane/latex caulks are paintable, but not as durable. Choose a long-lasting caulk that best suits your needs—many options come in clear, white, or other common colors.
Backer rod material in its packaging

Backer Rod & Caulk

For Larger Cracks Up to ¾ Inch

Backer rod is a foam rope that comes in different diameters. Choose one slightly larger than the crack, push it into the opening, then apply caulk over it. This method reduces caulk usage and prevents shrinking and cracking.
a person wears a glove and sprays foam into a crack along a wall in their house

Spray Foam

For Large Gaps & Hidden Openings

For larger gaps in non-visible areas, spray foam may be a better option. Use a low-expanding foam and cover it if exposed to sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the material.
Packaging for a window insulation kit

Window Insulation Kits

For Single-Pane Windows and Patio Doors

If you have single-pane windows or patio doors, try using an insulation kit in the winter months. These kits include clear plastic sheets with adhesive edges. Simply apply the plastic around the frame and use a hair dryer to shrink it, creating a temporary storm window that improves insulation. Just remember to remove the plastic for summer!

 

Adding Insulation to Your Home

Insulation helps to slow the movement of heat through your home's attic, walls, and floors, so your home is more energy efficient and comfortable year-round.

Benefits of Adding Insulation

  • Improved comfort year-round
  • More consistent temperatures throughout your home
  • Lower heating and cooling costs
  • Reduced strain on your HVAC system
  • Quieter indoor spaces

Start with the Attic

If you're only tackling one insulation project, the attic is often the best place to begin. Heat naturally rises, and too little attic insulation can lead to heat escaping during winter and entering your home during summer. Chelan PUD offers insulation rebates to help make upgrading your insulation more affordable. 

Steps to upgrade your attic insulation:

  1. Seal attic air leaks
  2. Seal and insulate the attic hatch
  3. Look into available attic insulation rebates and requirements
  4. Add attic insulation to recommended levels (be sure they meet Chelan PUD's requirements before you install if you're planning to apply for a rebate)
a person unrolls insulation in an attic

 

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Questions?

We're here to help! Talk to a Chelan PUD energy advisor with the Customer Energy Solutions team.

Call (509) 661-8008 or send an email.