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 an effort to ensure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than necessary, 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 coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to spot, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces in your home. Review the suggestions below to complete your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to check your windows and doors. If they rattle or you can see light through spaces 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, 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
- 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 additional 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 to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air in San Antonio for a professional energy assessment at 210-404-4233.