Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing as much as possible to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a given. When you 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.
A large number of leaks are from drafts that come through your windows or doors. These air leaks are relatively easy to identify, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces around your home. Use the suggestions below to complete your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to look around your windows and doors. If they rattle or you can see light coming in 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 eliminate the leak.
Next, search your home 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, take a look at the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Check exterior corners, making sure the edges match up exactly 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
- 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 greater energy savings, call in a professional. Experts can conduct a comprehensive energy assessment, including 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 improved energy efficiency. Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Canada for a professional energy assessment at 866-397-3787.