We've done this application numerous times in southeastern PA with one subtle change, we use closed cell foam insulation directly against the underside of the roof sheathing. Open cell will continue to let air/humidity through, closed cell will not. Since air can't move through the closed cell foam there isn't any need for air flow under the roof sheathing because there won't be any humidity there to potentially condensate. Air already moves through the fiberglass insulation and that won't change when the Attic becomes conditioned space. I believe it would be best to remove ALL of the existing fiberglass ceiling insulation so that the Attic space becomes 'one' with the rest of the House. Fresh air intake to the fossil fuel furnace is necessary. It should be set up with a power damper that opens when the furnace turns on to allow combustion air directly to the heat chamber. When the furnace isn't running the damper is closed to keep unconditioned air out of the Attic.

Dennis D. Gehman, CR, MSA, CLC, CKBR, GAC, CAPS

President

Gehman Design Remodeling

NARI = National Association of the Remodeling Industry

CR = NARI Certified Remodeler

MSA = CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator

CLC = NARI Certifled Lead Carpenter

CKBR = NARI Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler

GAC = Green Advantage Certified

CAPS = Certified Aging in Place Specialist

I would recommend starting with making sure all the existing windows and securely closed and locked.  I find windows partly open because they have been painted that way.  Take some time to make sure each window closes properly add weather stripping as needed.

Add wather stripping to all doors

check that all the heating ducts are connected securely

John Ford, There are an abundance of energy efficiency upgrades you can do to your 2-story home. A question to your question - do you have a small or a larger budget? Small budget - 2 options: Attic Insulation or A Foil Energy Barrier, one example is Green Energy Barrier. Blown-In Attic Insulation is inexpensive and can help with an additional R-value of 18-60 in your attic. A Foil Energy Barrier - can be placed along the rafters or floor boards and is a foil used by NASA that greatly assists with energy efficiency. Larger budget - 3 solid options: Solar panels, Replacement Windows with Krypton gas, or Insulated Siding, an insulation with a system R-value of a 4.2 that contours to your siding panel. Best, Ken 

73-79 when active in home. This can go up when everyone is at work or school.

I am assuming your home is ducted and has a forced air system.  If you you only have 1 furnace and 1 condenser, it my be more energy effecient to expend to two units.  I recommend Lennox.  You can also look at installing spilt units like these made by Fujitsu:

http://www.fujitsugeneral.com/products.htm

These are designed so that you can cool a room/rooms individually.  I suggest calling a few licensed HVAC contractors and get 3 quotes.

With current financing options that are available, the best return-on-investment is to go solar!  It may seem expensive to install a solar panel system, but with current financing options such as $0/down home-equity loans, you'll see immediate cash flow savings!

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

Many great answers here regarding insulation and air sealing.  If you have a pool, also look into upgrading your pump to a variable speed pump.  They run at lower RPM for filtering than they do for vacuuming.  This can be a significant saver in energy costs... and as always, GO SOLAR!

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

Alex,

Solar is one of the best home improvement opportunities available to homeowners today.  The return-on-investment is over 100% (unlike most of home improvements).  See immediate cash flow savings by "zeroing-out" your energy bill.  The increase in value and decrease in time-on-market will also help when it comes time to sell.

There is still a 30% federal tax credit available, as well as other incentives depending on the state where you live.  Financing options range from cash purchase to lease/PPA.  You'll see the best rate of return on a cash purchase, though any option is usually better than the price you pay for utilities.

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

I say insulation should be at the top of your list. I would also take a look at your water pumps.

Here's a few of the items we actuallyp ersonally suggest when going green: http://xtremegreenhomes.com/green_options.php.

Definitely replace your air filters every single month as this is a big contributor to a home's energy efficiency when it comes to HVAC

Check seals on doors & windows.  Replace single pane windows with newer products.  Check the attic for insulation.  Loose fill, blown in insulation is the best.  Make sure to seal any spots where air is escaping INTO the attic first.  Also make sure your attic has both adequate intake AND exhaust ventilation.  Make sure not to clog the airflow from the soffit area and the attic space by using Baffles as seen in the picture.  Check out YouTube for other great suggestions. 

If anyone tells you that you can save "X" with windows, throw them out of the home. Will you save something, yes. Is is impossible to tell what that something will be without a laboratory environment, yes as well.

When looking at window performance, it is imperative that you compare both U-Factors and Air Infiltration rates. A window that is tighter will be more efficient over its lifespan in the home.

WoW Home Solutions

We have written on good bit on this subject: Please take a look at these blogs we wrote!

http://blog.akatlanta.com/2010/11/10-mistakes-not-to-make-when-heating.html

http://blog.akatlanta.com/2010/11/7-winterization-tips-to-keep-your-money.html

John,

Where is the home located in terms of climate region. There are some nuances when it comes to tuning glazing packages per elevation.

Keep in mind that standard Low-e glass will reduce the amount of radiant energy that enters through the window by more than 200% over clear glass right off the bat.

WoW Home Solutions