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 ensure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they have to, 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 entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to identify, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces around your home. Review 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 rattle or you can see light coming in between the door and the frame, they’re leaking and undoubtedly wasting energy and money, as well. Seal them with caulk or weather-stripping to take care of 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
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the two sides match up correctly and there are no gaps
- See if there are cracks or holes around outdoor water faucets
- Make sure siding is correctly aligned with windows and chimneys
- Check 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 additional 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 best to fix them for improved energy efficiency. Contact Rolf Griffin Service Experts in Fort Wayne for a professional energy assessment at 260-557-1275.