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 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 common leaks are from drafts coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to spot, but air leakage can also be found in less obvious spaces around your home. Use the suggestions below to conduct your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to check 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 undoubtedly wasting energy and money, as well. Seal them with caulk or weather-stripping to take care of the leak.
Next, search your home 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 around 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 correctly 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
- Search 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 greater 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 share information on how best to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Becht/Givens Service Experts in Louisville for a professional energy assessment at 502-785-8230.