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