Frozen Pipes and High Energy Bills

Challenge

A homeowner reached out to TCI Home Services after experiencing a burst water pipe in the basement, along with ongoing comfort and energy challenges throughout the home. Their primary concerns included:

• Burst Water Pipe in Basement: The customer discovered a burst water pipe during a cold snap, which caused water damage and raised concerns about insulation and heating performance in the basement.
• Uneven Temperatures:
  • Warmer Upstairs in Summer: The second floor was significantly hotter than the rest of the home during summer, making sleeping uncomfortable.
  • Colder Upstairs in Winter: During the winter months, the upper floor would stay much colder than the rest of the house, requiring extra space heaters.
• High Energy Bills: The homeowner consistently experienced unusually high energy bills year-round, indicating inefficiencies in the home’s HVAC system and insulation.

Solution

TCI Home Services designed a customized solution that addressed both the burst pipe issue and the home’s overall energy performance:

✅ Spray Foam Insulation in Rim Joists:
The rim joist area in the basement was a major source of cold air infiltration. TCI removed old, ineffective fiberglass insulation and applied closed-cell spray foam to fully seal and insulate this critical area. This not only protects pipes from freezing but also enhances the overall thermal envelope.

✅ Old Insulation Removal:
The attic’s existing insulation was outdated, unevenly distributed, and contaminated with dust and debris. TCI performed a full insulation removal to prepare for proper air sealing and fresh, high-performance insulation.

✅ Attic Air Sealing:
Before adding new insulation, TCI thoroughly air sealed the attic floor—sealing electrical penetrations, top plates, plumbing chases, and any gaps where conditioned air was leaking into the attic. This step was critical for stopping heat loss into the attic.

✅ Attic Ventilation Improvements:
Proper ventilation is essential to attic performance, so TCI upgraded the attic ventilation system, including adding or repairing soffit vents and ensuring continuous airflow from soffits to ridge vent. This helps prevent moisture buildup and regulates attic temperatures.

✅ Blown-in TruSoft Cellulose Insulation (R-60):
Finally, TCI installed R-60 blown-in TruSoft cellulose insulation, which provides superior thermal performance, excellent coverage, and resistance to air movement.