Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing the necessary work to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a given. When you make an effort to ensure 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 common leaks are from drafts coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to find, but air leakage can also be found in less obvious spaces in your home. Use the suggestions below to conduct 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 take care of 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 around your home, take a look at the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Examine exterior corners, making sure the materials match up correctly and there are no gaps
- See if there are 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
Conducting your own energy assessment can be effective for a number of air leaks in your home, but for even more energy savings, hire a professional. Experts can complete a comprehensive energy assessment, complete with a blower door test that can help find 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 West Palm Beach for a professional energy assessment at 561-629-1826.