Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing the necessary work to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a no brainer. 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.
A large number of leaks are from drafts that come through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to find, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces throughout 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 probably 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, check out the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Inspect 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 aligned accurately with windows and chimneys
- Search for 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 greater energy savings, bring in a professional. Experts can do a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes 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 Midway Services in Clearwater for a professional energy assessment at 727-219-2471.