Questions & Answers About Energy Efficient Home Improvements
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling 651-989-9226. Here’s must-know information from our in-house energy efficiency specialist, Luke Panek, shared on 1.28.23.
Wisconsin and Minnesota winters can wreak havoc on homes. This leads homeowners to wonder if the scenarios they are facing are problematic. Here are some answers to common questions about winter home issues.
If I Have Icicles On My Home, Does That Mean I Have Ice Dams?
Incorrect levels of attic insulation and ventilation are the root cause of why ice dams form. Here’s how this happens:
While icicles can signal the presence of an ice dam, not all roofs with ice dams have icicles hanging off them. If you’re questioning if the icicles on your roof are due to the freeze/thaw cycle, or ice dams, it’s best to contact an insulation professional for a heat map analysis.
What Is A Heat Map Analysis?
A home energy assessment uses diagnostic tools to learn where a home is using and losing energy. The use of infrared imaging can highlight areas of extreme heat loss. Infrared imaging works best when the indoor and outdoor temperatures are far apart. The most common areas examined in a heat map analysis are:
- Attic insulation
- Window installations
- House doors
- Walls
Which Energy Efficient Home Improvements Are Most Common?
The best way to improve energy efficiency often depends on the age of the home. That’s because building codes and recommended materials change over time.
What Are Common Energy Efficiency Problems In Older Homes?
Historic homes often have vaulted ceilings. These spaces often have poor insulation and ventilation, leading to ice dams. Over time, ice dams can leak into a home causing wet drywall, mold, and rotting. To correct this situation, a hot roof can be installed. Hot roofs do not have ventilation and are filled with spray foam and cellulose insulation. These materials seal up any rising air in the home, preventing ice dams.
Historic homes are also prone to the shifting and settling of old insulation. If the insulation has become wet or contains mold, new insulation should take its place.
What Are The Most Common Energy Efficient Improvement In Newer Homes?
Builder grade materials are only of average quality and are pre-built and mass-produced. Doors and windows in this category may not be multi-chambered for insulation purposes. This creates a scenario where drafty windows and doors are more likely. Mass production also means that builder windows and doors are less likely to come in odd sizes. A window or door not built for the opening it’s installed in can promote air infiltration.
We Help Improve Energy Efficiency
Since 1979, we’ve helped Wisconsin and Minnesota homeowners with home energy efficiency. We offer testing to troubleshoot items such as drafty windows and ice dams. With this information, we help create more comfortable and energy efficient homes. All insulation and window projects come with a lifetime workmanship guarantee. Contact us today if you have questions or to get a complimentary estimate.
