Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing the necessary work to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is an easy decision. When you make sure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than necessary, you’re not just saving energy, you’re saving money. One of the ways your home could be losing significant efficiency is through air leaks around your home.
A large number of leaks are from drafts entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to spot, but air leakage can also be found in less obvious spaces around your home. Use the suggestions below to do your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to inspect your windows and doors. If they clatter or you can see light through spaces between the door and the frame, they’re leaking and probably wasting energy and money, as well. Seal them with caulk or weather-stripping to fill in the leak.
Next, walk around looking for cracks and gaps in the following areas:
- Electrical outlets and light switches
- Electrical and gas service entrances
- Baseboards
- Attic doors or hatches
- Fireplaces
- Wall and window air conditioning units
- Cable and phone lines
- Vents and fans
If you find air leaks throughout your home, use the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the materials match up exactly and there are no gaps
- See if there are cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is correctly aligned with windows and chimneys
- Note gaps where siding or bricks meet your foundation
An at-home energy assessment can be effective for a number of air leaks in your home, but for additional energy savings, bring in a professional. Experts can do a comprehensive energy assessment, complete with a blower door test that can help detect major sources of energy loss in your home, and let you know how best to fix them for maximum energy efficiency. Contact Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts in Windsor for a professional energy assessment at 226-773-3357.