Click this link to watch a few short videos on energy use in an existing home.

Insulation Effectiveness

Simply put, insulation's main function is to keep heat where you want it to stay, in the summer you want to keep the heat out and in the winter you want to keep it in the home. The ability of insulation to perform that function is directly related to how well it is installed. Click on the 'play' button to watch the insulation effectiveness video and learn a few things that will help you learn more about insulation.

Introduction to energy use in an existing home and attic insulation

How much insulation should you have in your attic? Watch the clip below to take a peak in an attic and see what is recommended.

Wall Insulation

Determining the amount of insulation in walls can be difficult but there are some ways that will allow you to get a basic idea how well the walls in a home are insulated in this video clip.

Basement Insulation

Basement walls are often overlooked when it comes to insulating. Considering the number of basements that are built with poured concrete and how easily heat can transfer through even a solid concrete wall, this is an area of concern and potentially significant heat loss costing you money. Watch this video to see what to look for concerning insulation in basements.

Existing Home: Mechanical Room

Home and water heating will be one of the largest energy users in the home. This video will help point out some of the things to consider in the mechanical room of your home.

Lighting

One of the easiest ways to reduce electrical energy use in the home is to install energy efficient light bulbs. They provide the same amount of light and do not require any additional effort on your part once they are installed.

Windows

A typical wall construction using 2 inch by 6 inch studs and insulated with fiberglass batts will have an R-value of 19. The best, most efficient, windows will have R-values closer to an R-6 or lower. As a result windows can be areas for greater heat loss than walls. This video will cover some of the energy basics of windows.

Appliances

Each appliance you purchase truly has two price tags. The first is the initial price you pay, the second is the cost to operate that appliance over its useful life. Buying energy efficient appliances can save you money over the life of that appliance.