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 way your home may be losing efficiency is through air leaks.
The most frequent leaks are from drafts entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to find, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces around 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 clatter or you can see light coming in 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 take care of 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 around your home, use the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Examine exterior corners, making sure the two sides match up exactly and there are no gaps
- See if there are cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is aligned accurately with windows and chimneys
- Search for gaps where siding or bricks meet your foundation
Conducting your own energy assessment can be effective for a number of air leaks in your home, but for even more energy savings, call in a professional. Experts can conduct a comprehensive energy assessment, complete with a blower door test that can help uncover major sources of energy loss in your home, and let you know how to fix them for maximum energy efficiency. Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Raleigh for a professional energy assessment at 919-578-4329.