Home Weatherization - Sealing Leaks

Insulation

Check your insulation.
	A home with inadequate attic insulation can lose as much as 40% of its cool air. Because heat rises, as much as 60% of heat can be lost in the wintertime in poorly insulated homes.
	The average 10 to 15 year old home has R-11 to R-15 insulation but needs R-30, about 5 to 6 additional inches.
	An attic radiant barrier, usually made of aluminum foil bonded to paper, helps block heat flow through the roof into the house during summer. It can be stapled across roof rafters in the attic and can reduce annual energy bills by 3% to 8%.

Ductwork

Seal Leaking ducts.
	Ducts in the attic of the average 10 to 15 year old home leak 15% to 25% of its heating and cooling. Leaking ducts can also affect air quality in your home by sucking in and redistributing pesticides, fiberglass fibers and dust.
	Seal ducts with mastic sealant, a putty-like material that can be purchased at hardware stores. Because of the Texas heat, the glue on traditional duct tape dries out and loses its adhesive quality. Mastic never totally hardens so it doesn't dry out or loosen with age.

Windows and Doors

Consider low energy windows.
	They have a special surface coating that blocks out 40% to 70% of the heat that is normally transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of light to pass through.
Consider storm windows and doors.
	They can reduce the amount of cooling or heating lost through single pane glass by 50%.
Keep blinds and drapes closed.
	It keeps your house cooler.
	Drapes block out sunlight and heat better than blinds.

Tint windows.
	Tint films applied directly to windows can block out 40% to 60% of sunshine/heat.
Consider solar screens.
	Solar screens on windows can block out 60% to 70% of sunlight/heat.
Caulk to stop leaks.
	As much as 10% of air-conditioned air may be leaking from your home. Caulking around windows and plumbing penetrations (under sinks) and weather stripping around doors will stop leaks.

Cash Rebates and Low-Interest Loans Available
Austin Energy offers one of the most comprehensive residential energy efficiency programs in the nation. Each year over 6,000 Austin Energy customers use our rebates or low-interest loans to improve the energy efficiency of their homes or multi-family complexes.

Our energy efficiency programs operate in partnership with a large selection of local businesses that provide free energy audits and install the energy efficiency improvements needed. All work performed is inspected by our energy efficiency technical staff.

We have a variety of programs to meet every need. Take advantage of the best residential energy efficiency program in America. You will save money and improve your comfort.