How to air seal and insulate your basement (video)
Most homes in Vermont can be made more comfortable by properly air-sealing and adding insulation. This guide focuses on one of the most important areas of the home for weatherization: the basement.
Air comes in through leaks in the basement, gets sucked up through the house, and leaks out through the attic. This is called the stack effect or the chimney effect. Plug those leaks and you’ll slow the airflow considerably— reducing drafts, saving energy, and allowing your insulation layer to work more effectively.
Seal the big holes
- Missing, broken, or poorly fitting windows
- Bulkhead doors
Seal the little holes
- Sill and rim joist seams
- Penetrations for water lines, fuel lines, etc.
Watch this video for professional tips on air-sealing and insulating your basement. Locate common problem areas and learn how to seal them. Explore the types of insulation that work best in a basement. For additional guidance, download our printable flier.
We offer technical guidance and rebates to help cover the cost of DIY insulation projects or professional weatherization services.
While some work can be done on your own, we recommend working with an Effciency Excellence Network (EEN) contractor to air seal and insulate your entire home and reduce your
bills as much as possible. They can also account for air quality and address other safety concerns.