Oct 20 2009
Black & Decker® and Dow help homeowners air seal
Air leakage through gaps, cracks and holes is the largest cause of residential heating and cooling loss each year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners can save up to 20% off heating and cooling costs (or up to 10% off of total energy costs) through proper winterizing techniques. By air sealing homes and adding insulation, homeowners will reap the benefits of being proactive.
Insulation alone is not enough. All houses, no matter the shape, size, age or location, will lose energy. A thorough examination of leaks prior to the winter season can help save homeowners hundreds of dollars on utility bills during the coldest months of the year.
Black & Decker and The Dow Chemical Company are combining forces to make sure that homeowners are armed with the information (and products) needed to prevent unnecessary energy loss and drafty situations.
The Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector is the first line of defense in locating hidden energy leaks. By following these simple steps, homeowners can begin a home energy audit:
- Press the power button and wait 2 seconds for a reference temperature to set
- Adjust the threshold setting on the device
- Scan the home for leaks
After a trouble area is identified, one of the four GREAT STUFF™ Insulating Foam Sealant air-sealing products can be applied directly to that gap. GREAT STUFF™ is the perfect solution for permanently filling pipe and wire penetrations, gaps in the structure, and any space that allows air to enter or leave the home’s envelope.
“Homeowners can be at a loss for how to save on their energy bills,” explains Chad Holzer, operations market manager of Dow Building Solutions. “The Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector helps educate homeowners on where to insulate and seal. We are excited to work with Black & Decker to offer a complete solution that finds and then fixes common problems.”
“We are pleased to combine our efforts with Dow to raise awareness about the importance of air sealing,” added Dan Valenti, director of new business developing and licensing for Black & Decker. “Dow has a long-time reputation for providing homeowners with reliable, effective products to make homes more energy efficient.”
Source: http://www.blackanddecker.com/