Weatherization

Weatherizing Your Attic With Mass Save®

As part of a no-cost Home Energy Assessment provided by Mass Save®, experts will assist you in evaluating your home’s energy efficiency. If your attic is accessible, they will focus on your attic’s air-sealing and insulation. They will offer energy-saving products for you to install, suggest upgrades, and if necessary, help coordinate air sealing and insulation services with weatherization contractors.

These professionals have a trained eye for spotting common sources of air leaks. However, the most comprehensive way to find hidden leaks is through a professional assessment using a blower door. This device pressurizes your house to reveal leaks. While a blower door test isn’t typically included in a Mass Save® home energy assessment, it’s worth making the investment of $300 to $600 to have this done. It could help uncover more opportunities for improving your home’s weatherization. Weatherization is the least expensive way to reduce your home’s heating and cooling bills without sacrificing your comfort.

Air sealing

Making sure there are minimal gaps for warm indoor air to escape and cold outdoor air to enter reduces the amount of heating needed in a home. Since heat naturally moves upward, it’s important to limit air leaks between your living area and the attic. These leaks can contribute to as much as 40% of the costs to condition the indoor space in a leaky building. Remember, air sealing should be completed before adding insulation.

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Insulation

Insulation works by slowing the movement of heat through your building’s walls, roof, and floors. This is crucial because heat transfer is the primary reason for heat loss during winter. The effectiveness of insulation in resisting heat flow is measured using an R-value, which indicates its thermal resistance.

For attics, Mass Save® recommends an insulation level of R-49. To reach this level, you’ll need around 15 inches of thickness using materials like fiberglass or cellulose, or a combination of the two. This insulation will play a significant role in keeping your home energy efficient.