Seal and insulate
Air leaks and insulation by climate zone, with renter-safe fixes and the combustion-safety line.
Small buy
- Seal air leaks before you add insulation
DOE says sealing uncontrolled air leaks can save 10%–20% on heating and cooling bills. Seal first, then insulate: owners start in the attic, renters at doors.
- Renters: window film under $100 that comes off in spring
ENERGY STAR rates a plastic window film kit easy, one day and under $100, and its tape comes off the trim in spring. Add weatherstrip, caulk and night curtains.
- Gas appliances in a sealed home: CO alarms first, then a yearly inspection
Sealing air leaks can save 10% to 20% on heating and cooling bills (DOE). With gas appliances, put CO alarms on every level first, then book a yearly inspection.
Bigger job
- Attic insulation by climate zone: R30 in zone 1 to R60 in zones 4 to 8
ENERGY STAR's 2021 IECC attic targets: R30 in zone 1, R49 in zones 2 and 3, R60 in zones 4 to 8. Measure the depth first, and stop if you find vermiculite.