Identify the Problems You Want to Fix

Use the charts 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.

Attic
Common Problems	Drafty rooms Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms High heating or cooling bills Ice dams on roof in the winter
What to Look For	Check the insulation level in your attic Check for air leaks
Projects	Attic Air Sealing Project Attic Insulation Project

Basement/Crawlspace
Common Problems	Cold floor in the winter Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms High heating or cooling bills Pests (insects, rodents)
What to Look For	Check the insulation level in your basement/crawlspace Check for air leaks
Projects	Basement/Crawlspace Air Sealing and Insulation Project

Ducts
Common Problems	High heating or cooling bills Hot and cold rooms; uneven temperature between rooms Dust or smells from attic or crawlspace
What to Look For	Look for cracks, kinks, loose air supply boots or missing insulation
Projects	Duct Air Sealing Duct Insulation

Doors/Windows/Walls
Common Problems	Drafty rooms Pests (insects)
What to Look For	Check the insulation level in your walls Check for air leaks
Projects	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

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.

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.

GET STARTED ON YOUR PROJECTS

Couple installing thermal insulation — Attic Air Sealing

man installing insulation — Attic Insulation

man installing insulation in a basement — Basement/crawlspace

man caulking a window — Seal Behind Window and Door Trim

sealing a window with plastic sheet — Applying Plastic Over Windows