Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program - For Rockville MD Residents
Did you know that the average age of a home in Montgomery County, Maryland is 44 years old? There was a big surge in the 60s, 70s and 80s and only 1% of the homes in Montgomery County were built after 2010.
If you live in Rockville, Maryland chances are you need insulation based on the age of your home!
Before you spend money on replacement windows or on a new HVAC unit get a comprehensive Pepco home energy assessment.
A Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR audit evaluates your home for the following:
1. Whole-house air leakage test (test windows & doors)
2. Indoor air quality "score"
3. Whole-house insulation assessment - condition
4. Whole-house insulation assessment - current R-value
Getting an energy audit can help you understand how taking a whole-house approach to making improvements to your home can save you a lot of money along the way through rebated work and making wise choices.
And, the great thing is learning more about how your home works will provide a sense of comfort - even if you can't fix it right away.
Read the complete 2022 Pepco Energy Audit Guide for much more information about the home energy audit process and the great benefits you can get from the discounted service ($100 through Pepco program).
Complete 2022 Pepco Energy Audit Guide
Why is Insulation so Important?
Regardless of which material and application was used in a Rockville, Maryland house - the insulation in place is not fully effective unless it is installed properly. Unfortunately, proper insulation installation is not the norm - particularly in older homes.
New insulation materials work because they incorporate air pockets that slows the conduction of heat. This resistance to heat flow is measured by the R-value of the material. Keeping heat in during colder months and heat out in warmer months is the name of the game!
For insulation to be fully effective and protect the inside of a Rockville MD home, it must be accompanied by a separate air barrier to stop air flow. Foam and caulk are most used and might be a familiar sight for you.
Great care and thought must be given to where the insulation and air sealing is placed in the attic and around other important places like the basement or a crawl space. The two working hand in hand are key to a project that pays off!
Rockville Residents Can Think Like a Building Scientist!
Winter and summer home comfort is related to four factors in Rockville, Maryland:
1. Air temperature
2. Relative humidity
3. Radiant temperature
4. Air movement
For every cubic foot of air that enters the living space of your home a cubic foot leaves, taking the heating or cooling energy with it. Slowing the rate at which it happens will go a long way towards reducing drafts and better overall energy efficiency.
When air sealing and insulation is missing at the attic floor in a Rockville, MD house then it is likely to function less efficiently and be uncomfortable. For most insulation to be effective air sealing is needed to stop the flow of air.
Most Rockville attics are insulated to between. R-10-30 (5-15") and there is no air sealing.
Watch an attic summary from a recent Rockville Pepco energy assessment.
