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What are the different insulation materials/types?
Batt or Blanket These large sheets of insulation are easy to install in accessible spaces since they can be cut to fit and conform to slight surface irregularities. Most common batt or blanket insulation are made out of fibreglass and mineral fibre. Loose-Fill This type of insulation is made out of a variety of materials…
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Where are the biggest air leaks in my basement?
The most common locations for basement air leaks include: For more information, visit ENERGY STAR®. Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.
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Where are the biggest air leaks in my home?
The biggest air leaks will often come from attics, basements and around chimneys. Identifying and addressing the air leaks in these areas will have a greater impact on improving your home’s comfort and reducing your utility bills. However, there are many air leaks that you can quickly identify and seal yourself such as leaks around…
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Can I hire someone to draftproof my home?
Draftproofing can be a do-it-yourself project or you can hire an experienced contractor to do air sealing work for you. When hiring someone to draftproof your home, obtain multiple written quotes and be sure to ask how much experience they have draftproofing. Ideally, the contractor should use a blower door while draftproofing to ensure a…
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Where do I start to reduce drafts and improve my home?
The first step to reducing drafts is to identify the air leakage areas throughout your home. Although you might feel drafts and see air leakage areas around windows and doors on the main floor, in most homes, the most significant air leaks are often found in the attic/top floor and basement/lowest floor and are often…
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What is a direct-vent wall furnace?
A direct-vent wall furnace is a self-contained sealed combustion heating appliance that warms inside air by recirculating it around a sealed chamber, and discharges combustion byproducts outside the home via direct-vent. They are permanently attached to the structure of a building, and are not connected to ductwork. This means they do not need to be…
