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 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 entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to spot, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces throughout your home. Take advantage of the suggestions below to conduct your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to look around your windows and doors. If they clatter or you can see light through spaces 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, walk through your home to look 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 in your home, take a look at the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Check 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
- Check for 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, call in a professional. Experts can conduct a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes 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 greater energy efficiency. Contact Stark Services in Fort Worth for a professional energy assessment at 817-668-6689.