Wisconsin Home Improvement Co

08/28/2024

5 Signs You Have High Humidity in Your Home

Summers in Wisconsin are often humid and muggy. If homeowners are not keeping a close watch on things, the humidity outdoors can cause problems inside. Being outside in humid air typically comes with substantial discomfort, but you might not realize that humidity inside a home is a problem until it is too late.

Watch for the following five telltale signs of indoor humidity issues and learn what you can do to solve them.

1. Mold in Your Home
Mold growth inside the home is one of the most straightforward indications that there is a humidity issue. Mold needs at least three things to grow:

Moisture
Warmth
Food source, which can be any organic material, such as drywall or even skin cells
Basements and crawlspaces are particularly habitable to mold, but it is also common to find mold in bathrooms and on walls and ceilings throughout a home with humidity issues. Mold is also common in attics. Wet wood and surfaces in an attic can lead to structural damage and ruin attic insulation. At the very least, it can set up ideal conditions for mold growth, and mold growth can lead to wood rot. Additionally, many people are allergic to mold, which can lead to an unhealthy indoor environment.

Mold usually appears as fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that are accompanied by a musty smell. Mold can also hide behind carpets, wallpaper, and even inside walls.

2. Water Spots on Your Ceilings or Walls
Water leaks in a home, whether they are coming from cracks in an exterior or water pipe damage, can lead to stains on ceilings or walls. The humidity from extra water can create issues in the rest of the home, often in areas where you cannot see the extent of the damage, such as behind wallpaper, inside drywall, and behind cabinets.

3. Window Condensation
Another sign of high indoor humidity is condensation on windows. When warm, humid air inside the home encounters a colder surface, such as a window that has been exposed to chilly night air, it causes condensation to form. Condensation regularly forming on windows is an indication that the home’s indoor air is too humid.

4. Musty Smells in Your House
As mentioned, mold issues frequently come with their own musty odors. Musty smells often start in the basement but can quickly spread throughout the entire home, making it an unpleasant place to live until the moisture issues are addressed.

5. Health issues
Uncontrolled humidity in a home can be more than just an annoyance. It can be a major health hazard for homeowners and their families. Humid air and poor indoor air quality can make a home feel sticky and uncomfortable, but it can also trigger allergy-like symptoms, such as:

Sinus irritation
Sneezing
Headaches
Fatigue
Nausea
Congestion
Runny nose
If humidity leads to mold growth, that mold can produce allergens that cause allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma attacks.

Eliminate and Prevent Humidity in Your Home
If the moisture or mold problem in a home is substantial, mold remediation may be required before further measures are taken. For minor mold or moisture problems that are spotted early, reducing humidity in the home and preventing further moisture or mold growth are key steps.

You can control the humidity levels in your home in a few different ways. Two of the most effective methods are reducing outside air infiltration, as moisture and humid air often make their way into a home via air leaks and ensuring proper attic ventilation. Attic ventilation is crucial for expelling warm, moist air that can otherwise accumulate and lead to structural issues and mold growth. By addressing both air leaks and ventilation, you can significantly reduce indoor humidity and create a healthier living environment.

Air Sealing
Air sealing is a home performance service that closes the tiny holes and cracks that can form in a home’s exterior over time. Air sealing not only keeps air pollutants outside and limits high humidity indoors, but it can also improve the performance of insulation, making the home more comfortable and reducing heating and cooling bills.

Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is another critical component in managing moisture and humidity levels within a home. When attics are not ventilated properly, moisture can accumulate, leading to mold growth, wood rot, and damage to attic insulation. Ventilation allows for the free flow of air through the attic space, helping to expel warm, moist air and preventing it from seeping into the rest of your home. By ensuring that your attic has adequate intake and exhaust vents, you can maintain a balanced environment that minimizes the risk of moisture-related issues, protecting both your attic structure and the overall air quality in your home.

How a Home Performance Audit Can Help Control Indoor Humidity
The first step in any home improvement upgrade should be a home performance audit. Audits involve a careful inspection of your home’s energy use. Auditors like the professionals at Wisconsin Home Improvement, LLC, often use advanced building science equipment like blower doors and infrared cameras to measure how heat and energy are moving in and out of your home.

Once you have identified the weak areas in your house, we will provide you with our best recommendations for reducing indoor humidity in your home, from attic and crawlspace insulation to air sealing.

08/01/2024

Does Insulation Keep Heat Out? How Attic Insulation Can Keep Your Home Cool This Summer:
In summer months, some homes seem to heat up quickly and not cool down until autumn, no matter how powerful the air conditioner is. This often leads to uncomfortable indoor conditions and high energy bills. But did you know that insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a cool and comfortable home during the hottest months of the year?

Effective insulation can act as a barrier against the scorching outdoor heat, helping to keep your home cool by retaining the cool, air-conditioned air inside. This not only makes your living space more comfortable but also improves energy efficiency and lowers utility costs.

If your home is steamy and sweaty during the warmest months of the year, does attic insulation help? The short answer is yes. Effective insulation can help keep cool, air-conditioned air inside and keep the heat out for a more comfortable summer at home.

Understanding the Role of Insulation in Keeping Heat Out
Insulation is a layer of material between the exterior and the interior of a home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “most common insulation materials work by slowing conductive heat flow and convective heat flow.” Heat flow is also known as heat transfer, when warmer air naturally moves towards colder areas until the temperature is the same in both areas. So, does attic insulation help in summer? In the summer, heat from the outside wants to come into your cool house until it is the same temperature as outside. Insulation slows this flow by absorbing some of the heat for a more comfortable indoor temperature. Does insulation keep cold in? Yes, it also helps to keep cooler air inside in hot weather.

Benefits of Attic Insulation During Summer
While homeowners often focus on the efficiency of their insulation during winter, it’s equally crucial in the hot summer months. What does attic insulation do? Properly installed and maintained attic insulation can help lower energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and ensure a cooler home. Proper installation or reinstallation is essential to maximize these benefits.

Lower Energy Bills
Heating and cooling a home during spikes in temperature can be quite costly. In fact, heating and cooling a home can make up 50 to 70 percent of a home’s energy costs. A poorly insulated attic can let in significant heat during the summer, which can lead homeowners to crank their thermostat temperature down and make their air conditioner work harder to cool the space. The harder an air conditioner is working, the more expensive the energy bills.

Replacing or upgrading attic insulation can help homeowners lower their energy bills. When less heat comes in from outside, air conditioning is more efficient, and energy bills are lower.

Enhanced Indoor Comfort
A home that is kept at a consistent, comfortable temperature is simply more pleasant. While the ideal temperature may not be the same for every home, at least one study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has shown that when indoor temperature goes above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, productivity starts to decrease. Proper insulation throughout the home, including the attic, makes it easier to maintain a consistent temperature in every room.

Improved Indoor Air Quality
In addition to acting as an impediment to heat transfer, proper insulation can help trap pollutants from outdoors as well. The better insulated a home is, the better protected against outdoor pollutants. Further, just as air conditioning is more efficient with the help of better insulation, so are indoor air filtration systems, resulting in better air quality and less exposure to potential outdoor allergens.

Types of Attic Insulation Offered by Wisconsin Home Improvement
The insulation experts at Wisconsion Home Improvement, LLC can help homeowners choose the best insulation for their summer or winter needs.

Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is a common type of insulation made from fine glass fibers spun or blown into thick rolls, batts, or loose fill. Different densities of fiberglass insulation are available depending on what is needed. Fiberglass insulation can be a great choice for attic insulation to keep heat out as the glass strands absorb and distribute heat without allowing it to transfer into the home.

Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam insulation can be another efficient choice for improving attic insulation. Spray foam insulation provides the heat transfer benefits of other types of insulation as well as an impenetrable barrier for pests, noise, and tiny, invisible leaks, keeping your air-conditioned air inside during a hot summer.

Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products that are treated with chemicals to improve fire resistance and efficiency. Typically, cellulose insulation is blown in using a specialized blower tool. Cellulose is an efficient and cost-effective option for attic insulation, in addition to being environmentally friendly.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Attic Insulation
Maximizing the benefits of attic insulation involves ensuring proper installation, choosing high-quality materials, and sealing any air leaks to enhance energy efficiency and maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

Assessing Your Current Insulation
If your home is not maintaining a comfortable temperature in the summer, it may be time to upgrade your attic insulation. To assess if an insulation upgrade is necessary, homeowners should pay attention to uneven temperatures in the home, note higher than expected energy bills, and assess the existing insulation for visible gaps or deterioration. An evaluation from an insulation professional, such as a home energy audit, may also help.

Professional Installation vs. DIY
It may be tempting for a homeowner to DIY their own insulation upgrade, but a lot can go wrong in the process. Choosing a professional insulation installer ensures proper and safe installation and adherence to relevant local building codes. Professionals have access to more than just insulation, such as proper safety gear and installation tools, as well as the professional know-how to install it for maximum energy efficiency, which can mean cost savings in the long run.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular insulation maintenance is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, preventing air leaks, maintaining proper attic ventilation, and avoiding moisture build-up, which can lead to mold growth. Inspection and maintenance from a trained professional can help ensure optimal performance for attic insulation and help to extend the lifespan of insulation materials by identifying issues early before they become costly problems.

Conclusion: Stay Cool and Save Energy with Effective Attic Insulation
Will insulating an attic keep the house cooler? The answer is yes. With our comprehensive insulation services, we can help identify aging or degraded attic insulation and help you choose the best way to update or replace your insulation. Homeowners should contact us today for a free consultation so you can be on your way to a more comfortable home, all year long.

06/07/2024

Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding your attic, box sills or general comfort levels of your home:
https://www.whiinsulation.com/
262-345-9922
[email protected]

Wisconsin Home Improvement has decades of experience providing home energy improvements and advice. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a visit.

06/07/2024

Comparing Fiberglass and Cellulose Insulation

Every home needs high quality insulation, but how do homeowners go about choosing which kind is right for their property? All insulation types provide a thermal barrier for the home. Cellulose and fiberglass insulation both work to regulate temperature by impeding the flow of heat. Cellulose and fiberglass Insulation will not prevent exterior air from passing through the interior spaces, but proper air sealing will help prevent air from passing through, as will the insulation of choice and the resistance of heat transfer. Adequate insulation helps keep Wisconsin homes warmer during the winter and cooler in the summer, while also keeping utility bills low.

However, different types of insulation offer different benefits. Individuals who are wondering what kind of insulation should I get can start by learning the differences between fiberglass insulation and cellulose, the two most common and most effective types of insulation.

An Overview of Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation is made from fine glass fibers. When packed into blankets (known as batts), the glass fibers trap air and reduce the transfer of heat from the outside of a home to the inside and vice versa. The R-value indicates the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

Fiberglass insulation can have an R-value from R-11 up to R-30, depending on the density and thickness. Fiberglass insulation is also available in rolls and as loose fill. It is non-combustible and resistant to moisture, mold, and pests, making it a durable and long-lasting option for insulating homes and buildings.

An Overview of Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper, cardboard, or recycled denim. In the case of WHI, we currently use CleanFiber, which is made of recycled cardboard. In most cases, the insulation is made up of at least 75% recycled materials. The remainder of the insulation, by weight, consists of chemical treatments that make the insulation a deterrent to fire and pests. Cellulose insulation is available as a dense pack material or as loose fill.

What to Look for When Choosing Insulation for Your Home
Insulation can have a significant impact on the comfort of a home and the family who lives in it. Especially in a climate like Wisconsin, ineffective insulation can lead to miserably cold and drafty winters for inhabitants. A fiberglass and cellulose insulation comparison is a good starting point for homeowners who are considering upgrading their insulation.

Thermal Performance Over Time
Although both cellulose and fiberglass insulation start at approximately the same R-value at the time of installation, cellulose insulation can experience up to 25% settling, losing 15 to 25% of its R-value over its lifespan. On the other hand, loose fill fiberglass experiences less than 2% settling and delivers the R-value stated on its package for the life of the home. Manufacturers and Wisconsin Home Improvement Co. LLC professionals account for settling when recommending initial installation depths. Wisconsin Home Improvement, for instance, installs up to an R-50.

Ease of Installation
Loose fill cellulose insulation can be blown in for insulation replacement in attics or walls. Dense pack cellulose insulation is also a popular option that does not require a blower. Any installation process for cellulose insulation tends to create dust and debris that will likely blow through the HVAC system to some extent, however the team at WHI will clean up after themselves the best they can.

Installing fiberglass insulation involves placing dense batts into the wall, attic, or floor cavities that need replacement insulation. Fiberglass insulation can also be installed with a blower.

Environmental Impact
It is easy to assume that cellulose insulation is the more environmentally friendly choice since it is made from paper and cardboard. As with most environmental issues, the answer is not so simple. It is true that cellulose insulation is made from paper and often uses recycled materials in its manufacturing. At the same time, to ensure cellulose insulation is fire-rated, it must be treated with chemicals, including boric acid (which is a pest and rodent deterrent) or ammonium sulfate. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is also almost entirely recycled and does not require additional treatment with any chemicals for fire rating. This helps to preserve the health of your home and reduces any negative impact on the environment.

Cost of Materials and Installation
Cost is always a consideration when comparing fiberglass vs. cellulose insulation. However, the cost differential is typically negligible for these two types of insulation. Cellulose and fiberglass are both relatively inexpensive insulation solutions as compared to something like spray foam.

Noise Reduction
Insulation creates a barrier between exterior walls and the outside environment. While the first job of insulation is to prevent heat from passing through, noise reduction is a beneficial side effect of improved insulation. Both fiberglass and cellulose insulation have a similar effect in dampening sound and reducing noise.

Talk to the Experts at Wisconsin Home Improvement
Wisconsin Home Improvement has several decades of experience installing all kinds of insulation. Our qualified team can help determine which insulation solution is right for your home. Whether you decide to choose fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam, you will have peace of mind knowing that the experts at Wisconsin Home Improvement can install it correctly, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round.

Feel free to contact us:
https://www.whiinsulation.com/
262-345-9922
[email protected]

05/29/2024

https://www.whiinsulation.com/

What R-value Do I Need in My Wisconsin Home?
With highs in the summer topping 90 degrees in some areas and winter lows dipping below zero, effective home insulation is critical in keeping a Wisconsin home comfortable all year long. Choosing insulation with the right R-value can help keep a home cozy in the winter and cool throughout the summer, which adds up to lower utility costs and a more pleasant living experience.

What Is R-Value?
R-value refers to the thermal resistance of insulating materials. In the case of home insulation, R-value indicates the insulation’s effectiveness in preventing heat transfer — keeping warm air inside during the winter and outside during the summer. R-values are measured per inch of thickness for insulation. Home insulation R-values range from R13 to R60.

Room by Room Recommended R-Values for Wisconsin Homes
R-value recommendations are established based on the climate where the home is located. The U.S. is divided into seven climate zones from one, which includes only the southernmost tip of Florida where little insulation is required, to seven, which includes the northernmost parts of Wisconsin as well as parts of Maine, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and some mountainous areas of Wyoming and Colorado. Most of Wisconsin is located in zone six.

Wisconsin R-value requirements are also different from room to room, as heat transfer occurs more frequently in certain areas.

Interior and Exterior Walls
Interior and exterior walls generally have different insulation R-value requirements. In new construction, many interior walls are not built with insulation because building codes do not require it. Interior wall insulation has a much smaller impact on energy efficiency than exterior wall insulation because it is more important to keep outside elements out than to prevent heat transfer between interior rooms. However, many homeowners may choose to add interior wall insulation to maximize efficiency or implement sound proofing, in which case a lower R value is sufficient.

Exterior walls require higher R values to prevent heat transfer. In zones six and seven, which cover Wisconsin, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends insulation rated between R20 and R25.

Basements and Crawl Spaces
Insulation R-value requirements are higher for basements and crawlspaces. Uninsulated or poorly insulated basements and crawlspaces can lead to a huge amount of energy loss. For Wisconsin zones 6 and 7, the DOE recommends adding insulation that is rated R19 (for batts) or R15 (for wall sheathing).

Choosing the Right Type of Insulation Based on R-Value
Different types of insulation have different R-values. The highest R-value in home insulation is typically found in foam board insulation, also known as rigid foam sheathing, which has an average R-value of 3.6 to 8.0 per inch. Installing rigid insulation is often done in conjunction with blanket insulation, with spray foam used to seal any gaps around windows.

Spray Foam Insulation
After rigid insulation, spray foam insulation has the highest R-value per inch, making it a popular option for insulation attics and crawlspaces. Open cell spray foam insulation is less dense and typically has an R-value between 3.6 and 3.9 per inch while the denser closed cell spray foam insulation has an R-value between 6 and 7 per inch. Generally, however, open cell is not offered in Wisconsin due to our climate and extreme temperatures.

Blown In Insulation
Blown in insulation, also known as loose-fill insulation, is blown into under insulated spaces using a blower machine. Blown in insulation can be made from cellulose, fiberglass, or rock wool.

Fiberglass: Tiny threads of glass are packed together to make loose fill fiberglass insulation, which has an R-value of between 2.5 and 3.5 per inch.

Cellulose: Often made from recycled newspaper and treated with chemicals that make it fire resistant, blown in cellulose insulation can have an R-value between 3.2 and 3.8 per inch.

Rock wool: Similar to fiberglass but made from volcanic rock, rock wool insulation offers an R-value between 3.0 and 3.7 per inch.
Update Your Insulation with Wisconsin Home Improvement
Updating your home’s insulation to ensure recommended R-values, particularly in attics, basements, and crawl spaces, can make a huge difference for your home. Not only will living spaces be more comfortable year-round, but you may also see drastic cuts in the cost of your utility bills. The experts at Wisconsin Home Improvement Co. LLC can help answer all insulation questions, including:

How much insulation do I need?
What is the best type of insulation for my current home?
What are the insulation R-value requirements for my home?
Wisconsin Home Improvement technicians can even conduct a home audit to determine where updated insulation is most desperately needed and help you create a plan to tackle the process. Contact us today for a consultation and treat yourself to a more comfortable, more energy efficient home.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AT 262-345-9922
or feel free to send an email to Nicole at [email protected] with what work you are looking to have done on your home, and where your home is located.

05/24/2024

5 Ways Your Poor Attic Insulation is Hurting Your Home

A poorly insulated attic can lead to many problems, especially in cold Wisconsin winters and hot summers. Some issues may be obvious like uneven temperatures throughout the house, but homeowners may not connect other issues to attic insulation at all. Key examples include ice dams on the roof and pest infestations. Homeowners should pay attention to all the potential signs of poor attic insulation and consult with a professional about updating their insulation when appropriate.

1. Increased Energy Bills and Inefficient Heating/Cooling
A poorly insulated attic can be a root cause of high energy bills. With less insulation installed, heat escapes through the attic and roof, and the home’s furnace works harder and longer to keep up, causing the homeowner’s heating bills to skyrocket.

Energy inefficiency caused by poorly insulated attic areas is not limited to the colder winter months, either. Insulation also keeps heat out in the hot summer and keeps the cool air inside from escaping, meaning that cooling bills also stay lower with a properly insulated attic.

2. Temperature Imbalances Throughout Your Home
Temperature imbalances across all levels of the home can be signs of poor attic insulation. Uneven or damaged insulation can cause some rooms to be drafty and others to be overheated. In most cases, rooms on the top level, directly under a poorly insulated attic will experience dramatic and uncomfortable fluctuations in temperature in all seasons because the attic fails to provide adequate protection from the outdoor temperatures.

Generally, too little insulation can stop a home from feeling cozy and warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

3. Ice Dam Formation and Water Damage Risks
Ice dams have the potential to cause tremendous water damage inside a home. When the underside of the roof has uneven temperatures from poor insulation, snow on the roof can melt and freeze over the eaves, creating ice dams. When more melting occurs, the water cannot drain off the roof and instead travels up underneath the shingles to drain inside the home.

Water leaking inside walls, through ceilings, and onto furnishings can cause expensive water damage. As water drains through the attic, insulation becomes damp and less effective, speeding the path toward deterioration and leading to more problems.

4. Mold and Mildew Growth Due to Excess Moisture
Ice dams are just one way that inadequate insulation can become a wet haven for mold and mildew. When an attic is improperly insulated and air sealed, warm air from the heated house will rise into the attic and encounter the colder air, leading to condensation and dampness.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, which means poor indoor air quality can have a significant impact on health, particularly for young children and older adults. Dampness and moisture flatten and compress insulation types like cellulose, decreasing its effectiveness and making it more and more susceptible to mold and mildew. Mold and mildew growth in the attic can impact the indoor air quality throughout the house and lead to long-term structural damage to the home if left untreated.

5. Pest Infestation and Insulation Damage
Unfinished attics offer a welcoming refuge for plenty of critters, including mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, and insects. Older insulation that is already deteriorating is particularly attractive to pests because they can build nests out of the material, and the moist, humid conditions are comfortable for them.

Once inside, pests will chew on insulation and wiring and deposit smelly waste that can seep into living areas, leading to poor indoor air quality and potentially triggering allergies and asthma. Unfortunately, once pests have nested in insulation, it can be nearly impossible to reverse the damage and eliminate their waste without replacing the attic insulation. Upgrading a poorly insulated attic before pests can make it their home is the best course of action.

Enhance Your Home’s Comfort with WHI’s Insulation Services
Fortunately, a solution for attic insulation is close at hand with Wisconsin Home Improvement Co. LLC’s attic, basement, and exterior assessment. Homeowners can also gain insight by diagnosing their homes’ insulation and energy efficiency needs through a home performance audit. Using scientific data, Wisconsin Home Improvement home performance technicians can help homeowners understand exactly how their homes are working and what may be causing issues.

With pinpoint accuracy, we can assess attic insulation and determine the course of action that will have the biggest impact on savings and comfort. Air sealing is often recommended in tandem with new attic insulation for maximum energy efficiency and comfort. Contact one of our experts today to schedule your home assessment and keep your family safe and comfortable in all seasons.

05/07/2024

Everything You Need to Know About Blower Door Testing:
Maintaining a safe, comfortable, and energy efficient home involves a fair amount of upkeep. One way to ensure that a home’s heating and cooling systems are working efficiently is by conducting a blower door test, which checks for air leakage. Significant air leakage means that the climate-controlled air from inside the home can easily escape, making HVAC systems work harder and utility bills climb.

What Is a Blower Door Test?
Blower door tests are used to measure the amount of air leakage present in a home or other building. A blower door test involves closing all external openings of a building, such as doors, windows, vents, and flues, and then using a powerful fan to either pressurize or depressurize the interior space. By measuring the airflow required to maintain a constant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the building, technicians can determine the amount of air leakage.

The Process Explained
A professional energy audit will often include a blower door test. The process of setting it up is fairly simple with the right equipment.

An airtight, temporary fan is attached to the home in a doorframe, depressurizing the living space.
All exterior doors and windows are closed (interior doors remain open during the test).
Pilot lights are extinguished, and flues in stoves and fireplaces are closed.
The auditor engages the fan.
An air pressure gauge measures how much air is being pulled into the home through cracks and gaps.
Infrared cameras are then used to locate each and every leak.
The blower door test helps identify areas where air is leaking into or out of the building envelope, which can contribute to energy inefficiency, discomfort due to drafts, and poor indoor air quality. By pinpointing these leaks, building owners and operators can take steps to improve energy efficiency, enhance occupant comfort, and reduce heating and cooling costs.

The Importance of Detecting Air Leaks
Detecting air leaks in a home is crucial for several reasons:

Energy Efficiency: Air leaks allow conditioned air to escape, resulting in wasted energy and higher utility bills. By sealing these leaks, homeowners can reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable living environment.
Comfort: Air leaks can cause drafts, uneven temperatures, and discomfort in different areas of a home. Sealing these leaks helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, improving comfort levels for occupants.
Indoor Air Quality: Air leaks can allow pollutants, allergens, and outdoor contaminants to enter a home, affecting indoor air quality. By sealing leaks, you can prevent the infiltration of harmful substances, promoting a healthier living environment.
Moisture Control: Air leaks can also allow moisture to enter your home, leading to issues such as mold, mildew, and water damage. Sealing leaks helps to maintain proper moisture levels indoors, reducing the risk of structural damage and health problems associated with excess moisture.
Conducting regular inspections and implementing effective air sealing measures can significantly enhance the performance and livability of a home.
How Blower Door Testing Helps
Blower door testing is commonly performed during energy audits, construction inspections, and retrofit projects to assess a building’s airtightness and identify opportunities for improvements in insulation, weather sealing, and ventilation systems.

Interpreting Blower Door Test Results
The professional who sets up a home energy audit and blower door test will be able to interpret the results and explain them to a homeowner. However, there are some baseline metrics that may be useful for homeowners to keep in mind when reviewing their results.

Understanding the Metrics
After the blower door test, the house will receive an Air Changes per Hour (ACH) reading, which tells the auditor and homeowner how many times all the air in the house would be completely replaced in the span of an hour if the blower fan was left on. Homes with relatively good air sealing should receive a maximum of a 4 ACH reading. An ACH reading that is between 6 and 9 indicates somewhat significant leakage that could benefit from improvements.

Blower door test results may also include a cubic feet per minute (CFM) measurement, which tells the auditor how much air blew through the fan during the test. In general, a CFM measurement below 1250 is satisfactory while a CF measurement between 1300 and 3000 indicates air leaks.

Solutions for Identified Inefficiencies
The solutions for inefficiencies that a blower door testing may identify depend on where the air leaks exist. If air is leaking from beneath doors or from windows, additional weatherstripping or caulking can have a major impact in improving efficiency. In the case of a leaky chimney flue, professional chimney repairs may be necessary.

Drafts may also come in through attics or crawlspaces where professional insulation installation or replacement may be the best solution. The energy auditor that performs the blower door test can help homeowners identify the best options for improving the comfort and efficiency of a house with significant air leaks.

Professional Insulation and Air Sealing Services from Wisconsin Home Improvement
Gain a clear picture of your home performance, with an energy audit from the Wisconsin home performance professionals at Wisconsin Home Improvement Co. LLC. The advantage of booking an energy audit with Wisconsin Home Improvement is that not only can our professionals find leaks that are impacting the comfort of your home, but we also have the skills and expertise to help fix them.

If your home qualifies as a Focus On Energy (FOE) project, Wisconsin Home Improvement will conduct both a before and after blower door test. This comparison will clearly illustrate the enhancements made to your home’s efficiency as a result of the project and is an excellent way for homeowners to see firsthand the difference the project has made in improving their home’s efficiency. You’ll be able to compare the initial inefficiencies with the optimized efficiency achieved post-project.

Reach out today to schedule your energy audit and blower door test. Call, email, or contact us through our website. 262-345-9922 https://www.whiinsulation.com