Reduce energy use and improve comfort

Insulation and air sealing

Insulation and air sealing are lower cost upgrades that help keep your home at a consistent temperature, improving thermal comfort, and reducing energy usage.

Air Sealing involves filling gaps that allow outdoor air to flow into the house when we do not want it to. Even small gaps can lead to uneven temperatures and increased energy use.

Insulation is material that can be added into your walls, attic, crawlspace, and other areas of your home to prevent heat from easily moving in or out of your home. A well-insulated home will hold a more steady temperature and requires less active heating and cooling.

Air sealing and insulation work together to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and to reduce energy costs year-round. The U.S. EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation to attics and basement or crawlspace walls.

There are many types of insulation and air sealing projects. Below are some of the projects that may be most beneficial for your home, with links to more detailed information.

Attic, Walls, Basement, or Crawlspace Improvements

The boundaries between your indoor living areas and the outside of your home are where your home will transfer the most heat, including losing warmth in the winter or gaining heat in the summer.

• Air sealing your attic.
• Insulating your attic.
• Insulating your walls.
• Air sealing or insulating your basement or crawlspace.

Windows and Doors

While replacing your windows and doors will reduce energy usage, these upgrades can be time-consuming and expensive with long pay-back periods. If your windows and doors are still functioning well, there are other upgrades that can be completed for significantly less cost, with or without a contractor:

• Sealing behind window and door trim.
• Using high-quality window coverings like curtains or drapes.
• Installing plastic on windows for the winter.

Rebates and Tax Credits

Go here to search for your utility or local government rebates for air sealing, insulation, and energy audits.

There is also a state tax credit for energy efficiency improvements, including air sealing and insulation, of up to $1200.

In addition, in late 2024 or early 2025 the Colorado Energy Office will offer additional rebates for these types of improvements, funded via the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates program.

Note that all these rebates and tax credits can be combined to help fund your home energy efficiency projects.