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. Air leaks around your home are one of many ways your home may be losing efficiency.
The most common leaks are from drafts that come through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to identify, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces throughout your home. Use the suggestions below to complete your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to inspect your windows and doors. If they shake easily or you can see light coming in around 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
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the materials match up perfectly and there are no gaps
- Check 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
An at-home 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, complete with a blower door test that can help detect major sources of energy loss in your home, and let you know how to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Boehmers/Cronin Emery Home Services by Enercare in Kitchener for a professional energy assessment at 519-804-1617.