What Can I Do with Insulation Now to Save on Next Winter’s Heating Oil?

Would you leave a window wide open in the middle of winter with your oil boiler or oil furnace working so hard to keep your family warm? Of course not, but that’s what many Michiganders are effectively doing when they haven’t properly insulated and weatherized their home.

That’s because it has been shown that the average American home leaks an amount of air that’s equivalent to a four-foot hole in an exterior wall. Most air leaks typically go through spaces around windows and doors as well as through the walls in its attic and crawl spaces.

To minimize those leaks, you will need to weatherize; while it may take some time, money and effort, it’s actually one of the best energy efficiency investments you can make for your Michigan home. It’s right up there with installing new high-efficiency oilheating equipment.

What to do and where to do it

Use this list as a reference of the many places to check for air leaks. If you want a more accurate assessment of your home’s problem areas, consider investing in an energy audit from a reputable contractor.

Exterior windows and doors

• Check for and repair/replace loose panes and broken glass
• Caulk around windows and doors frames
• Weather strip and install door sweeps on exterior doors
• Seal windows with weather stripping or rope caulk

Attic

• Install foam weather stripping around attic door edges
• If you have a chimney, seal around it with a high temp sealant and metal flashing
• Caulk around plumbing vents that pass through that attic floor and ceiling
• Seal gaps between the attic and living spaces with expandable foam or insulation

Basement

• Seal gaps between the attic and living spaces with expandable foam or insulation
• Seal and insulate accessible ductwork
• Caulk around basement windows and external-facing doors
• Seal holes and gaps around foundation walls using caulk or foam sealant

Living spaces

• Install foam gaskets behind electrical plate covers on exterior walls
• Seal cracks and gaps where floors meet exterior walls
• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, close the damper when it’s not in use

Outdoors

• Use caulk and expandable foam to seal gaps around penetrations through the home’s exterior shell, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and water lines
• Caulk around all door and window frames
• Make sure your dryer vent cover works; if not, replace it
• Seal gaps where building materials meet, such as between brick and siding

Looking for more ways to save energy? Your local Michigan oilheat dealer can help—they are your energy-saving partner! Reach out to them today for expert advice on high-efficiency upgrades for your oilheating equipment.