Question 1

What is a Home Energy Audit?

Accepted Answer

A home energy audit is the essential first step in any weatherization project. A certified Atlas auditor inspects your home's insulation, windows, doors, attic, basement, and HVAC/ductwork, using a blower door test and infrared camera to pinpoint exactly where energy is being lost, and delivers a prioritized, cost-ranked action plan. The audit also checks ventilation and air quality to keep your home healthy.

Question 2

What is Air Sealing?

Accepted Answer

Air sealing closes the gaps around plumbing, wiring, recessed lights, attic hatches, and wall cavities that typically leak 20–30% of a home's energy — insulation alone can't fix these. It should always be done before adding insulation, using caulk, spray foam, weatherstripping, and rigid foam boards. Homeowners usually notice fewer drafts and quieter interiors right away.

Question 3

Why do auditors check air quality before installing insulation?

Accepted Answer

Building science follows the rule "build tight, ventilate right." Sealing a home only helps if a controlled ventilation strategy — ENERGY STAR-rated exhaust fans or a whole-house system — is in place, otherwise moisture, pollutants, and carbon dioxide can build up. A comprehensive audit always includes combustion safety testing so fuel-burning appliances don't back-draft carbon monoxide.

Question 4

What do the R-Values of insulation materials mean?

Accepted Answer

R-value measures a material's resistance to heat transfer — the higher the number, the more effective it is. Common types include blown-in fiberglass or cellulose, batts, spray foam, and rigid foam board, each suited to different parts of the home. Atlas's service area falls in DOE climate Zones 4a and 5a, and your Home Energy Audit matches the right material and R-value to each application.

Question 5

Why should I insulate my attic?

Accepted Answer

The attic is usually the biggest source of winter heat loss and summer heat gain, since heat rises and a poorly insulated attic forces your HVAC system to work harder year-round. After air sealing is complete, Atlas typically adds blown-in cellulose or fiberglass to reach the recommended R-49 to R-60 for climate Zone 5, while preserving eave ventilation to prevent moisture problems and ice dams.

Question 6

Why insulate walls and basements?

Accepted Answer

Walls and basements are often overlooked compared to attics but are a major source of heat loss, especially in older homes. Exterior walls can be dense-packed with cellulose or fiberglass through small drilled holes without opening the walls. Rim joists — a top leak source — are sealed and insulated with spray foam or rigid foam board and caulk; finished basement walls benefit from rigid foam for a thermal break from the cold concrete.

Question 7

What is blown-in cellulose? How effective and safe is it?

Accepted Answer

Blown-in cellulose is a loose-fill material made from recycled paper treated with borate fire retardants, ideal for attics and existing wall cavities (dense-pack). R-value runs about R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch. It's naturally fire-resistant, pest- and mold-resistant, and safe for indoor use when professionally installed — a cost-effective, high-performing option, especially for older homes.

Question 8

What is spray foam insulation? How effective and safe is it?

Accepted Answer

Spray foam expands into a rigid or semi-rigid foam that seals air leaks while insulating at the same time. Open-cell runs about R-3.5 to R-3.8 per inch; closed-cell R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch, the highest of common options, and also adds moisture resistance and structural strength. It's best for basements, rim joists, and wall cavities, and should always be installed by trained professionals.

Question 9

What is Batt (fiberglass) insulation? How effective and safe is it?

Accepted Answer

Fiberglass batt insulation is pre-cut panels installed between studs, joists, and rafters, running about R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch. It's non-combustible, doesn't require chemical fire retardants, and is a reliable, budget-friendly option — but effectiveness depends heavily on proper, gap-free installation paired with air sealing.

Question 10

How do rebates and incentives work for my project?

Accepted Answer

During your audit, Atlas identifies the rebate and incentive programs available at the time, explains what may apply, and handles the paperwork so the process stays simple. Rebate amounts are subject to change based on funding and program rules — Atlas confirms your exact savings in writing before any work begins.

Question 11

Do I need to be home while the work is being done?

Accepted Answer

Not always. We'll let you know what access we need and what to expect ahead of time. Our crew works cleanly and keeps disruption to a minimum.

Question 12

What happens after the home energy audit?

Accepted Answer

You get a clear summary of the biggest problem areas and the upgrades that will help most. If you choose to move forward, we walk you through the next steps and build a plan that fits your home.

Question 13

How long does an insulation or air sealing job usually take?

Accepted Answer

Most projects can be completed in a day, but larger homes or multi-step upgrades may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline before work begins.

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