Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing everything you can to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is a no brainer. When you make an effort to 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.
The most frequent leaks are from drafts coming through your windows or doors. These air leaks are relatively 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 look around your windows and doors. If they clatter or you can see light coming in around the frame, they’re leaking and likely wasting energy and money, as well. Seal them with caulk or weather-stripping to fill in 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, check out the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Check exterior corners, making sure the edges match up perfectly 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
- Note 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, bring in a professional. Experts can do a comprehensive energy assessment, which includes a blower door test that can help uncover major sources of energy loss in your home, and share information on how best to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Memphis for a professional energy assessment at 901-235-1196.