Category: new construction

It’s the time of year when many Maryland builders are finalizing new home construction projects. How much of a priority is air sealing and energy efficiency when planning your new home building project?

Investing in air sealing techniques during construction has a big payoff for both builders and ultimately homeowners. Air sealing improves comfort, lowers heating and cooling costs, boosts air quality, and increases the home’s value. Even better, it helps prevent future problems like moisture intrusion, mold growth, and comfort complaints. That means fewer callbacks for you and happier homeowners. Let’s dive deeper into the importance of air sealing your new home building project.

The Best Time to Seal is During Construction

It’s always best to do things the right way from the start. And this is very true when it comes to air sealing. Sealing your home building project while it’s under construction is far easier than doing it later. This is mainly because open framing provides clear access to open seams throughout your home project’s building envelope, including around plumbing and wiring. Plus, critical leakage points like top wall plates are only accessible before the walls are closed.

Insulation professionals agree that air sealing should be the first step in your home energy efforts before installing insulation. Air sealing and insulation are a small part of your construction budget that goes a long way in yielding outsized benefits while meeting Maryland’s energy building codes for an air-tight home.

Save Energy and Lower Utility Bills

In a typical home, air leaks can waste 25% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling. Sealing gaps and penetration points is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency choices you can make. Many air sealing measures, like using spray foam and weather stripping, pay for themselves over time.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Maryland homes built to current 2021IECC energy codes will save homeowners about $264 annually on their utility bills. By taking the step to air seal during construction, you and your building team will be ahead of the curve as energy codes become stricter over time. The homes you build will be greener, more future-proof homes that use less energy, leave a smaller carbon footprint, and help Maryland meet its climate goals.

Healthier Indoor Air Quality for Families

When a home isn’t sealed properly, it lets in dust, pollen, mold spores, damp air, and even pests. Moist air can seep in and cause mold. This is especially concerning in our state where pollen levels are high during spring and summer.

The US Department of Energy says a tighter home envelope cuts down on these issues. By sealing up the cracks in your home building project you help control indoor moisture levels, prevent mold growth and wood rot, and keep out outdoor pollutants like car exhaust and smoke. This allows future residents or guests with asthma or allergies to breathe easier.

Pair your air sealing with proper ventilation, like bathroom fans, kitchen hoods, and Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) or Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) systems, and you’ll have a home that doesn’t randomly leak air but ventilates on your terms. In the end, you’ll have high customer satisfaction and a stronger reputation for building quality homes.

Boost Each Home’s Value and Durability

Great news! Energy-efficient homes are in high demand. Studies show that ENERGY STAR certified homes in Maryland sell for 2% to 5% more than less efficient homes.

A well-sealed home is also more durable. It’s less likely to suffer from moisture problems, hidden mold, or structural damage. It even extends the life of your HVAC equipment by reducing wear and tear. All these things add up to fewer homeowner callbacks and warranty claims, saving you and your building team valuable time and money.

Take Advantage of Incentives and Energy Programs

There are also financial incentives available for building energy-efficient homes. Through the Federal §45L Tax Credit builders can earn up to $5,000 in builder credit when their homes meet certain energy efficiency requirements.

Locally, Maryland’s EmPOWER program offers builder rebates for new home construction that qualify as ENERGY STAR certified (from $1,000-$3,000+ per home). There is also technical training and guidance available for builders to learn more about the best practices of insulation and air sealing. Creating homes that are ENERGY STAR certified provides third party validation for the energy efficiency of your new homes as well as marketing advantages for your business.

Build for the Future, Starting Today

Sealing your home building project during construction is one of the smartest choices you can make. It means a more comfortable and energy efficient home with better air, lower bills, and long-term value, as well as protection against moisture problems, and lower overall costs through incentives and reduced warranty issues.

At DeVere Insulation, we specialize in air sealing and insulation services for new homes, including spray foam insulation that can insulate and air seal in one step. We have been working alongside local Baltimore builders since 1987 to create a more energy-efficient community, one home at a time. We’re here to partner with you to build outstanding homes that result in happier customers, less callbacks, and a stronger reputation for quality construction. Contact us today to learn more about air sealing your new building project with our expert team.