Don’t let your money fly out the window this winter
“One of the most useful workshops I’ve attended…on any topic!” That’s what an attendee said about our 10/26 insulation workshop with Matt Perry of JM of New Bedford.
When it comes to insulation and air sealing, it can be confusing to know where to start, what you can do yourself, and when to hire a pro. Perry, a local resident who grew up in his family’s insulation business, walked Middleborough residents through all that, demonstrated products to use, and answered their many questions.
Sustainable Middleborough’s new Weatherization Navigator, Hayden Kane, also explained where residents can get financial help with their insulation job.
For the most bang for your buck, Perry said, start by making sure your attic is well insulated, laying down batts yourself or hiring a contractor.
Other steps you can take with inexpensive products from the hardware store:
- Become a sleuth for air leaks, get a caulking gun, and seal up any place where building materials meet.
- Replace weatherstripping and door sweeps, which last only 8-10 years, on exterior doors.
- Your bulkhead leaks a lot of air and heat. Make sure there’s a door at the foot of the bulkhead. It doesn’t have to be custom or fancy, but make sure it’s well insulated.
- Attic access is another big leak. For pull-down attic doors, get a lightweight dome to seal it. Or if you have a walk up, weatherstrip the door.
More than half the housing in Middleborough was built before 1960, which means it is likely uninsulated or under-insulated. Estimates are that 25% to 45% of the energy used for heating and cooling the average home is lost to air leakage. That’s like having a window open year-round and letting your money fly out! Weatherizing all that old, leaky housing is the best and biggest next step people in town can take to reduce carbon emissions. If you missed the insulation workshop, you can still watch it below!
Special thanks to Matt Perry for this free workshop, sponsored by Sustainable Middleborough.
Our next free workshop will be “How to Build Climate Resiliency into Your Landscape” with Meg Riley of Plymouth County Extension and Breeka Li Goodlander, Middleborough resident and Sharon Conservation Agent, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Middleborough Public Library.
