Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing everything you can to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is an easy decision. When you make an effort to ensure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they should be, 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.
The most frequent leaks are from drafts entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to identify, but air leakage can also come from less obvious spaces around your home. Use the suggestions below to conduct 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 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 eliminate 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 throughout 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 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, hire a professional. Experts can complete a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes 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 San Antonio Air Service Experts in San Antonio for a professional energy assessment at 210-570-9705.