from Marianne in Milwaukee, WI:
#192
How can I make my home more energy efficient when I have newspaper insulation tacked into the walls my 65 year old home? I already added insulation to the attic and sill-box. Contractor's seem to be unable to blow-in insulation with the existing newspaper.
If possible, you may want to remove the newspaper insulation.
To solve the problem of the newspaper insulation (which is a potential fire hazard) that is tacked into the walls, give some thought to removing it. I know that sounds like a daunting task, but if you were planning on re-siding your home, it would present an opportunity to remove the exterior sheathing (boards or sheets) to expose the wall cavities. Once the newspaper insulation has been removed, replace the original sheathing (or use new), and dense-pack the cavities. Most contractors would use cellulose for dense-packing these wall cavities. An additional “bonus” is the possibility of installing rigid foam board (½”, ¾”, 1”, or 2”) over the sheathing to improve R-value (indicates insulation's resistance to heat flow), create a suitable drainage plane for water, and improve air tightness. If this work cannot be done from the outside of the home, due to the type of cladding (i.e. brick, stucco), it would need to be done from the interior; which could be messy.
Some simple things that can be done to improve energy efficiency in your home by using caulk:
- Caulk the baseboard (top and bottom) on all walls (interior and exterior) to reduce air leakage. If you have crown moldings, you may need to caulk them as well.
- Caulk the gaps around electrical boxes and switches where they meet the wall surface (on interior walls and exterior walls). Insert child safety caps in outlets that are not being used as away to reduce air leakage.
- Caulk around light fixtures (especially in ceilings with attic spaces above).
- Caulk around all windows and doors
There are several good Web sites that can provide you with additional energy saving information: ENERGY STAR
We Energies
United Illuminating Company
To maximize energy savings, consider engaging the professional services of a consultant partnering with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®. Through performance testing with diagnostic equipment, a consultant can provide you with a written report or “roadmap” of energy saving improvements tailored to your home and lifestyle. To locate a consultant for your area (in Wisconsin), visit the Focus on Energy Web site or call 800.762.7077 to request a list of consultants.
Published Tuesday, May 19, 2009