Energy Usage, Conservation and Weather Stripping - Make Home More Energy Efficient

I have a couple thousand dollars to spend in the next month or so and would like to make my home more energy efficient. For starters, I will be replacing my damaged evaporator coil in my furnace and installing two vents in the basement to help keep it warm, which will radiate to the upper floors. I also plan on having insulation added to the attic to bring it to an R value of 55, and will be installing an attic fan. I thought about replacing my three skylights with energy efficient models as well. What else can I do to make my home more energy efficient?

Google "airsealing" and weatherstripping doors and windows. Doing both before adding more insulation and long before replacing windows will go a long way towards making your house more efficient and you will spend less than $100 in materials.

Air sealing as d00bs mentioned, before you add insulation. Also, before you add heat to your basement you will want to seal and insulate. Attic fan and new skylights, not sure, need to hear more about why.

Bud

If you have the old bubble type skylites...especially the single dome models..yes... replacement is a good thing. They should be having sales at places like HD or Lowes soon, if not now. Velux makes models that will directly replace many of the bubble types simply by removing screws, lifting off the old and installing the new.

I replaced mine last year, after some modification of the old curbs. Huge difference on light transmission and heat in the rooms.

It may not be as much of an energy thing as comfort, but I figure if the room is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer..it must be helping.

I definitely plan on sealing first, then insulating. I was simply going to go around the perimeter of the basement and caulk or spray foam around the rim joist, then install some new 6 1/4" batt insulation. I also planned on caulking around all windows, fixtures, plugs, and switches.

Skylights are the old bubble type. I will definitely check out the Velux replacements. It would be great if all I had to do is unscrew the old ones and drop in the new ones, and I could do that myself.

Forgot to ask, what is meant by "sealing the attic"? The reason I am considering an attic fan is because I figured it would help expel any excess heat in the summer time. The attic isn't too large, and has both soffit vents and a ridge vent. Would it be worth the money to have an attic fan installed? I can do the wiring myself, but don't want to mess with the installation (cutting hole, etc.).

In VA, I think the skylights are pretty much a direct replacement. You will need to take one off (if they are the curb mounts, its like 8 screws) and measure your curb. The FCCM models are designed to fit most.

If the bubbles you have are the self flashing type..it could get more complicated.

Sealing the attic means sealing all penetrations into the attic from the house or basement. Around chimneys, plumbing, electrical, and drop ceilings. Google air sealing your home and you will find some complete listings as to where to look.

Bud

Money better spent on High SEER HVAC equipment. NO Attic fan you have ridge vents. If you put in a fan it will short cycle the air. Air sealing can be good if very drafty but homes need at least 60-80 cfm of air during occupied times for good IAQ.

Not sure if the skylights are "self-flashing". I have been on the roof before, and they appeared to have several screws around the perimeter.

If you see screws around the perimeter of the skylight...perpendicular to the dome..they should come right off after removing the screws. Might take a little prying with a putty knife. I'm not there to see.

Looks like I need the Fixed Curb Mount (FCM) model from Velux. Apparently I can simply remove the bubble skylights and screw the new ones in place since the curb and flashing is already present.

Yep..thats what I mean..hit an extra C there I guess. You'll need to remove one and check the curb size prob. I thought mine were easy. Had to use a grinder on the metal curb and add blocking on the interior to screw to. Better safe...right?

Unfortunately, I don't feel comfortable getting up on the roof. It's a two story, victorian style home, so the roof pitch is quite steep. If I were brave enough to get up there, what would be the best way to anchor myself? Nail a couple 2x4's?

Well...IIRC this is a new home (to you)..so you'll probably need to get up there in the future. Might be worth investing in a fall restraint device.

I'll let some of the Pro's advise as to platforms and such. Never had a roof pitch that bad.

I have used 1" nylon mooring line anchored to the other side of the peak (a deck post or tree) a couple of times..but that wasn't to keep me in position..just to prevent going off the edge in case of a slip...lol

It's called a roof anchor. Find it at your local lumberyard. About 12 inches long, shaped like an- I, comes with bolts and a cap. From inside the roof, about 18 inches down from the ridge, cut two slots-each side of the rafter, 2 1/2 inches long, 1/4 inch wide. Install the anchor from outside, use the bolts and nuts supplied. It's rated for one man, or two men, if you don't fall off the roof the same time. After use, replace the weather-cap, until next time you need to go up there. About $75, cheap insurance.

Insulate your skylight boxes, fan ducting, and anything else found here:

EERE Consumer's Guide: Attic Access Insulation and Air Sealing (http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11400) Be safe, GBAR

To install attic fan, you can do it by yourself. I did it by myself ( My friend was supervising me, he is a handy man). I found this step by step installation guide on Solar Attic Fan Installation Guide (http://www.solargadgetsinfo.com/solar-attic-fan-installation.html).

They have section for tubular skylight too. It is really very helpful.

Thanks

Ok, but someone replied to my post and specifically said not to install an attic fan since I have a ridge vent. Is there any true to that?