OK... I'll start. I have a 1970's contemporary with R-13 in the walls and R-19 in the ceilings. It is two stories, with the "lower level" doubling as the basement. The lower level is on a slab, with concrete kneewalls (shredded fiberglass between the concrete and studs). That floor is 50% above grade, and the other half is 50% below grade (sloped yard). There are windows in every room - lots of natural light. There is no insulation in the lower level ceiling, as it has always been 100% finished. The upper level is comprised of a 500 sq ft Great Room with 12 foot ceilings and recessed lights (a.k.a. little chimneys). We live in Central MA, 900 ft above sea level, with no trees to the west, and minimal trees to the north. The windows are original double pane, wood frame casements. Oh, I forgot to mention... 2 ft cantilevers on either side of the upper level.
What we have done so far to combat the air leakage is silicone every crack on the exterior and use minimal expanding latex foam in every nook and cranny. Next, I have begun the arduous task of removing the molding around windows and doors, and adding the same spray foam. I have caulked/spray foamed around every recessed light (they're all non-IC and embedded in the slope of the cathedral ceiling, so I can't even get to them). I just bought R-19 unfaced batts to run perpendicular to the joists above the cathedral ceiling (adding any more would restrict airflow to the louver vents in my attic). I've decided not to remove the walls in the basement, but if I ever have to, I'll glue ploystyrene to the concrete and remove the shredded fiberglass. When we reside (existing is ugly, inefficient board and batten), we'll add 2 inches of polystyrene (R-10) to make the walls R-23. Still not enough, but much better.
Any other ideas? Share your set-ups!
What we have done so far to combat the air leakage is silicone every crack on the exterior and use minimal expanding latex foam in every nook and cranny. Next, I have begun the arduous task of removing the molding around windows and doors, and adding the same spray foam. I have caulked/spray foamed around every recessed light (they're all non-IC and embedded in the slope of the cathedral ceiling, so I can't even get to them). I just bought R-19 unfaced batts to run perpendicular to the joists above the cathedral ceiling (adding any more would restrict airflow to the louver vents in my attic). I've decided not to remove the walls in the basement, but if I ever have to, I'll glue ploystyrene to the concrete and remove the shredded fiberglass. When we reside (existing is ugly, inefficient board and batten), we'll add 2 inches of polystyrene (R-10) to make the walls R-23. Still not enough, but much better.
Any other ideas? Share your set-ups!