Safe to use box/outlet insulators in 50-yr old home?
I am concerned that this could be a fire hazard especially with the age of the wiring - are those foam sheets treated with fire retardant? If anyone doesn't know, who would I talk to - a home inspector, electrician, etc? Thanks! Cheryl
-
Janet Pizaro on Sep 16, 2015Honestly your best bet is to reach out to an experienced electrician.Helpful Reply
-
-
HouseLogic.com on Sep 16, 2015Hello Cheryl, Good question! This post breaks down insulation types and includes fire retardant details: http://goo.gl/5dvgu4 With that said, and as Janet suggested, you should consult with a licensed electrician who has experience dealing with older electrical systems.Helpful Reply
-
-
Z on Sep 16, 2015Cheryl, I believe you are talking about these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frost-King-Foam-Electrical-Outlet-and-Wall-Plate-Insulating-Kit-OS12H/100184290 If so then make sure the brand you buy is UL listed. With their label comes your comfort in the product meeting global safety codes. They've been around since not long after the dawn of electricity in the home and are very much trusted.Helpful Reply
-
-
Jonnie Hammon on Sep 17, 2015Any of them would be a help. Or, check out your utility company's weatherization program. They will even come and do for you, at no charge. They do doors, windows, and electrical sockets, etc...Helpful Reply
-
-
Hope Williams on Sep 17, 2015Call an electrician and ask advice. Then call the company of the product you wish to use. The manufacturer will tell you their specs for their product. Pretty straight forward information.Helpful Reply
-
-
Jennifer on Sep 17, 2015Yes those are fine to use and will help a little bit. You may need to add insulation to the attic space above to help even more with keeping the room warmerHelpful Reply
-
-
Renata on Sep 18, 2015Jonnie is correct. I had mine come out and they even gave me the covers free, can't beat that! Well I guess u could... if they were to do the installing..lol ..and my house was built in 1944/ 1953. Insulation is the best thing u can do. U may want to do some checking into ur states programs. Because I am low income ( SSDI) I qualified for a program that went off my equity. '44 houses never had ducts or heating systems so I had a whole new heat pump system put in, new E vinyl windows, new total house insulation, new roof, new tankless hot water heater (LOVE) Never run outta hot water and I had a teen age daughter that took hr showers...who gets that dirty!!..lol , new vinyl siding, I love vinyl siding,,I never have the expense or hard work of having to repaint ! Wash with a hose and beautiful again. My Dad came over one time after I had hosed it down and said.."painted ur house huh?" lol. It is a loan that u do not have to pay back until u die or sale the house. With absolutely no interests. Best thing I ever did! Saved my 100's in utility costs.Helpful Reply
-
-
Bit By Bit Shop on Sep 30, 2015If they have a basement, check where the sill plate meets the foundation wood. Our home had such large gaps the sun shined in! Caulk or fill(spray foam) along there. Also I used silicone caulking on the outside of the house around the windows & the house soffit & fascia. Shocking how much caulk was needed. Lastly use silicone to caulk all around the windows & frames throughout the house. Start with the most used rooms like living room, bedroom & kitchen. My heating & cooling utility bills have dropped significantly! ! If they have a fireplace be sure to block off (at the very least with a heavy blanket over the screen when not in use. Don't forget to weatherstrip the doors & caulk around them as well. Check the windows also for weather striping. The home depot guys can give you advice. Our heating company did an appraisal & gave us samples to use around switch plates, windows & doors. Don't even get me started on attached garages! ! I'm saving a lot of money & am still doing areas little by little. Don't get overwhelmed & just start one window or door at a time. Caulk is very inexpensive which is a great advantage. I hope this helps.Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
How to get rid of mice?
We seem to have some unwelcome Mickeys and Minnies in our house. What is the best way to get rid of them?
How to remove popcorn ceiling with asbestos?
I want to remove my popcorn ceiling, but it has asbestos in it. How do I go about this safely?
How to caulk baseboard gaps?
How do I fill gaps at baseboard, should I caulk? If so, does anyone know how to caulk baseboards?
How to fix squeaky hardwood floors?
How do I fix squeaky hardwood floors?
What can I do about wood smoke coming into my house?
I need help. My back door neighbor heats with a wood stove all winter. They are downhill from me. Almost all their smoke makes its way into my house, causing headache... See more
A/C question: My outside unit runs, but no air is being pushed through the vents in the house.
It has been about a year since my last tune up, and I am wondering if a tuneup might be all I need, in order to avoid a service call and diagnostic fee and any other ... See more