Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing the necessary work to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is an easy decision. When you make sure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than necessary, 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.
The most common leaks are from drafts that come through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to identify, but air leakage can also originate in 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 shake easily or you can see light coming in 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 fill in 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, use the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the two sides 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 greater energy savings, hire a professional. Experts can complete a comprehensive energy assessment, complete with 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 D&K Home Services by Enercare in Belleville for a professional energy assessment at 613-707-2421.