Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing everything you can to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a given. When you make sure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they have to, 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 coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are relatively easy to find, but air leakage can also come from less obvious spaces around your home. Use the suggestions below to do 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 around your home, use the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Check exterior corners, making sure the materials match up exactly and there are no gaps
- Look for cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is aligned accurately with windows and chimneys
- Note gaps where siding or bricks meet your foundation
A DIY 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 detect major sources of energy loss in your home, and share information on how best to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact A-PLUS Service Experts in Waldorf for a professional energy assessment at 301-747-3140.