At Atlas Home Energy Solutions, we take pride in transforming homes into energy-efficient sanctuaries. Every home has its unique challenges, but our customized approach ensures that we address those issues head-on, delivering tangible results. In this case study, we’ll explore how we helped Peter, a homeowner in Silver Spring, Maryland, improve his home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality with targeted solutions, including our game-changing Aeroseal® duct sealing technology.
We know that energy efficiency can feel like an abstract concept. That’s why we’re sharing real stories that highlight the steps homeowners take to tackle issues like leaky ducts, inconsistent temperatures, and poor indoor air quality. In Peter’s case, Aeroseal® played a key role in solving long-standing problems that were driving up energy bills and leaving certain areas of his home uncomfortably cold or hot.
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Read on to learn how Atlas Home Energy Solutions helped Peter turn his 1940s brick home into a more comfortable and energy-efficient space!
When Peter became the proud owner of a charming 1940s brick house in Silver Spring, Maryland, he was eager to make it a comfortable and efficient home. While the 1,800-square-foot property featured updated HVAC equipment—including a natural gas furnace and mini-split heat pump system—it still presented significant challenges. Peter noticed higher-than-expected energy bills, uneven heating and cooling across the house, and less-than-ideal indoor air quality.
As a first-time homeowner in Montgomery County, Maryland, Peter wanted expert advice to uncover hidden inefficiencies and prioritize the most impactful energy improvements. Unsure of the existing insulation levels or potential issues within the air duct system, he turned to Atlas Home Energy Solutions for a comprehensive energy audit and customized solutions to address his concerns.
With Aeroseal® as part of the plan, Atlas was ready to tackle the challenges and transform Peter’s historic home into a more energy-efficient and comfortable space.
Before addressing energy inefficiencies in any home, Atlas Home Energy Solutions begins with a thorough Home Energy Audit. This critical step identifies underlying issues, pinpoints inefficiencies, and allows us to create a customized plan to improve energy performance, comfort, and indoor air quality. For Peter’s 1940s brick home in Silver Spring, Maryland, the audit uncovered a range of problems impacting the home's overall energy efficiency.
The attic, a major source of heat loss, had only 3 inches of outdated fiberglass insulation—far below modern standards—and lacked proper air sealing. Additionally, the unique hinged attic access door, located in a closet ceiling, was poorly sealed, allowing conditioned air to escape directly into the attic.
Visible gaps in the HVAC ductwork in the basement utility room were causing substantial air loss, the system was leaking 18.2% of all air before getting to the end registers. Further testing revealed even more leaks behind walls, resulting in uneven airflow throughout the home. This inefficiency made it especially difficult for the system to deliver consistent heating and cooling to the second-floor bedrooms.
Using a Blower Door test, we measured an air leakage rate of 1849 CFM—well above the acceptable range for a home of this size. This indicated significant opportunities to improve the home's airtightness and reduce drafts, particularly during Maryland’s cold winters and humid summers.
Like many older homes, Peter’s house lacked a whole-home ventilation system. Without proper ventilation, indoor air quality suffered, as pollutants and stale air accumulated. This was particularly concerning given the home’s age and potential for hidden moisture or air quality issues.
By uncovering these specific problems, Atlas Home Energy Solutions was able to design a targeted improvement plan to address the home’s unique challenges. Aeroseal®, along with other strategic upgrades, played a vital role in transforming this Silver Spring property into a more efficient, comfortable, and healthy living space.
To tackle the identified inefficiencies while respecting the home’s 1940s historic charm, Atlas Home Energy Solutions implemented a tailored plan. Each improvement was designed to enhance energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort without compromising the home’s unique character. Here’s how the issues were resolved:
The attic was a significant source of heat loss, with outdated insulation and a poorly sealed access door allowing conditioned air to escape. To address this, Peter opted for open cell spray foam insulation, a highly effective solution for both insulation and air sealing. Spray foam was applied to encapsulate the attic roofline, creating a continuous thermal barrier that blocks heat transfer and air leaks.
This upgrade prevented warm air from escaping during Maryland's chilly winters and kept cool air inside during the sweltering summers. By eliminating the attic as a source of heat loss, the entire home became more energy-efficient and comfortable.
The ductwork in Peter’s home was riddled with leaks, wasting energy and creating uneven airflow, particularly on the second floor. To solve this, Atlas utilized Aeroseal® duct sealing technology, a state-of-the-art solution for addressing leaks in hard-to-reach areas of the duct system.
The Aeroseal process involves injecting a non-toxic sealant mist into the ducts, which bonds to the edges of leaks, sealing them from the inside out. This innovative approach was paired with manual sealing using metal duct tape to ensure every gap, visible and hidden, was addressed.
The result? A 96.5% improvement in duct efficiency, reducing leakage from the equivalent of a 35-square-inch hole down to just 1 square inch. This sealed system now delivers conditioned air evenly throughout the home, eliminating temperature imbalances and improving airflow to the second-floor bedrooms—spaces that were previously difficult to heat and cool.
Like many older homes in Montgomery County, Maryland, Peter’s house lacked a proper ventilation system, leading to stale air and compromised indoor air quality. To resolve this, Atlas installed a whole-home ventilation system in the second-floor hallway bathroom.
This modern system pulls approximately 105 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of stale air out of the home while introducing clean, fresh air. Acting as both a bathroom fan and a ventilation solution, it ensures continuous air exchange throughout the house, preventing moisture buildup and improving air quality.
The benefits extend beyond comfort—by incorporating fresh air ventilation, the system reduces the concentration of indoor pollutants and allergens, providing a healthier living environment for Peter and his family.
Each improvement was strategically chosen to address specific issues while delivering long-term benefits. From spray foam insulation to Aeroseal® duct sealing and a state-of-the-art ventilation system, these upgrades not only improved energy efficiency but also enhanced indoor air quality and overall comfort. By combining advanced solutions with a collaborative approach, Atlas Home Energy Solutions transformed Peter’s historic home into a modern, energy-efficient haven.
When it comes to home energy efficiency, the proof is in the results. After completing a series of targeted upgrades, this 1940s Silver Spring home went through a remarkable transformation, addressing long-standing issues with energy waste, uneven temperatures, and poor indoor air quality. Here’s a closer look at the outcomes that have made this home more comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective.
This significant improvement in airtightness means no more drafts sneaking in through hidden cracks, reduced heat loss during Maryland’s cold winters, and less energy wasted year-round. The result? A home that feels cozier, uses energy more efficiently, and keeps utility bills in check.
Leaky ducts were a major culprit behind uneven airflow and temperature imbalances. Atlas tackled this issue with Aeroseal® duct sealing, an innovative solution designed to address leaks from the inside out. The results speak for themselves:
This ensured that conditioned air flowed effectively to every room in the house, including the previously problematic second-floor bedrooms. No more cold spots in winter or hot rooms in summer—just consistent, comfortable temperatures throughout the entire home.
In older homes like this one, poor ventilation often leads to a buildup of indoor air pollutants, stale air, and moisture issues. To combat this, Atlas installed a modern whole-home ventilation system. The benefits have been life-changing:
The system ensures consistent air exchange, exhausting stale air out resulting in outside air being pulled in.
The addition of whole-home ventilation has not only created a healthier living environment but also made the home feel fresher and more inviting year-round.
Atlas Home Energy Solutions initially proposed a project cost of $5,700 with an expected rebate of $2,000. However, the team successfully secured a higher rebate of $2,300 through Pepco’s incentive program, lowering the homeowner’s out-of-pocket expense to just $3,400—$350 less than the original estimate. Additionally, the project qualifies for a $600 federal tax credit, further enhancing the affordability of these energy-efficiency upgrades.
These savings made a significant difference for the homeowner, allowing them to invest in high-impact upgrades without breaking the bank. It’s another example of how Atlas prioritizes not only energy efficiency but also affordability for every homeowner.
The results of this project highlight the transformative power of smart energy upgrades. By combining air sealing, Aeroseal® duct sealing, and a whole-home ventilation system, this Silver Spring home is now a model of efficiency and comfort. Drafts and temperature imbalances are a thing of the past, indoor air quality has been elevated, and energy bills are under control—all while maintaining the home’s historic charm.
At Atlas Home Energy Solutions, nothing matters more than the satisfaction of our clients. For Peter the energy upgrades to his 1940s brick house exceeded all expectations—not only in terms of performance but also in the quality of service provided by our team.
Peter shared his enthusiasm with us:
"Vincent and Carlos are AMAZING! Can’t thank these guys enough. They made a huge improvement on my heating system. These guys were superbly professional, nice, and effective. If I could use them for all my other home improvement work I would. They went above and beyond and fixed areas of my HVAC that they could just as easily left alone and saved their time. I can’t recommend them enough. Thanks, Vincent and Carlos!"
The improvements to Peter’s home were transformative, from sealing leaky ducts with Aeroseal® to enhancing ventilation and insulation. The results were tangible—more consistent temperatures, reduced energy waste, and improved indoor air quality. Beyond the technical results, it’s clear that the professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication of the Atlas team made a lasting impression on Peter.
At Atlas, we strive to deliver exceptional results and an equally exceptional experience for every homeowner. Peter’s glowing review is a testament to our commitment to going above and beyond for our customers.
If you’re tired of drafts, uneven temperatures, or high energy bills, Atlas Home Energy Solutions can help. Contact us today to schedule your energy audit and discover how upgrades like Aeroseal® duct sealing and improved ventilation can make your home more comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a better home today!
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