Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing as much as possible to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a no brainer. When you make an effort to ensure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they have to, 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.
The most common leaks are from drafts coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to identify, but air leakage can also be found in less obvious spaces throughout your home. Review the suggestions below to do your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to check your windows and doors. If they shake easily or you can see light through spaces between the door and the frame, they’re leaking and likely wasting energy and money, as well. Seal them with caulk or weather-stripping to eliminate the leak.
Next, walk through your home to look 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 in your home, take a look at the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the two sides match up perfectly and there are no gaps
- Look for cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is properly aligned next to windows and chimneys
- Check for 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 even more energy savings, bring in a professional. Experts can do a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes a blower door test that can help detect major sources of energy loss in your home, and share information on how best to fix them for improved energy efficiency. Contact Fras-Air/General Service Experts in Hillsborough for a professional energy assessment at 908-448-2154.