Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing as much as possible to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is an easy decision. When you ensure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they should be, you’re not just saving energy, you’re saving money. Air leaks around your home are one of many ways your home may be losing efficiency.
A large number of leaks are from drafts that come through your windows or doors. These air leaks are relatively easy to spot, but air leakage can also be found in less obvious spaces around your home. Review 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 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 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 in your home, take a look at the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Check exterior corners, making sure the materials match up perfectly and there are no gaps
- Check for cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is correctly aligned with windows and chimneys
- Check 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, bring in a professional. Experts can do 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 best to fix them for improved energy efficiency. Contact All American Air Service Experts in Daytona Beach for a professional energy assessment at 386-310-2061.