Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing as much as possible to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a given. When you make sure 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 frequent leaks are from drafts coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to spot, but air leakage can also come from less obvious spaces around your home. Use the suggestions below to complete your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to check your windows and doors. If they rattle 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, 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, check out the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the edges match up perfectly and there are no gaps
- See if there are cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is aligned accurately with windows and chimneys
- Check for gaps where siding or bricks meet your foundation
An at-home energy assessment can be effective for a number of air leaks in your home, but for greater energy savings, call in a professional. Experts can conduct 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 Wesley Wood Service Experts in West Chester for a professional energy assessment at 484-401-7577.
