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 sure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they should be, 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 that come through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to find, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces in your home. Take advantage of the suggestions below to conduct your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to look around your windows and doors. If they shake easily or you can see light coming in around the frame, they’re leaking and likely 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 perfectly 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
- Search 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 additional energy savings, call in a professional. Experts can conduct a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes a blower door test that can help uncover major sources of energy loss in your home, and share information on how best to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Stevenson Service Experts in Dayton for a professional energy assessment at 937-503-7896.