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 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 coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are relatively easy to find, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces around your home. Review the suggestions below to complete your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to look around your windows and doors. If they rattle 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 eliminate 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 throughout your home, use 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
- 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 even more energy savings, call in a professional. Experts can conduct a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes a blower door test that can help detect major sources of energy loss in your home, and let you know how best to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Atmostemp Service Experts in Voorhees for a professional energy assessment at 856-310-4824.