Identify the Problems You Want to Fix

Use the chart below to match your biggest concerns to the home improvement projects that may be able to address them and deliver the comfort and energy efficiency you are looking for.

	Common Problems	What to Look For	Projects
Attic	Drafty rooms Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms High heating or cooling bills Ice dams on roof in the winter	Check the insulation level in your attic Check for air leaks	Attic Air Sealing Project Attic Insulation Project
Basement/ Crawlspace	Cold floor in the winter Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms High heating or cooling bills Pests (insects, rodents)	Check the insulation level in your basement/crawlspace Check for air leaks	Basement/Crawlspace Air Sealing and Insulation Project
Ducts	High heating or cooling bills Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms Dust or smells from attic or crawlspace	Look for cracks, kinks, loose air supply boots or missing insulation	Duct Air Sealing Duct Insulation
Doors/Windows/ Walls	Drafty rooms Pests (insects)	Check the insulation level in your walls Check for air leaks	Air Sealing Wall Penetrations Air Sealing Electrical Outlets Air Sealing Behind Window and Door Trim Weatherstripping Doors Weatherstripping Windows Applying Plastic Over Windows Air Sealing Fireplaces

warning Combustion Safety

In some situations, sealing your home or ductwork can cause combustion appliances like water heaters to backdraft, creating unsafe conditions inside your home.

Inspection and testing by a home energy professional can help to identify combustion-related health and safety issues that should be fixed before any air sealing or other efficiency improvements are made.

warning Safe Indoor Air Quality

Sealing your home may trap indoor air pollutants such as radon, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. A tight home may require additional mechanical ventilation to maintain safe air quality in the home.

For more information on safe ventilation, visit EPA's Indoor Air Quality for Homes pages and DOE's Guide to Home Ventilation.