Easy Ways to Detect Air Leaks
Doing as much as possible to keep your home’s energy efficiency levels high is an easy decision. When you ensure your HVAC systems aren’t working harder than they have to, you’re not just saving energy, you’re saving money. Air leaks around your home are one of many ways your home may be losing efficiency.
The most frequent leaks are from drafts entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are generally easy to find, but air leakage can also originate in less obvious spaces in your home. Use 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 likely 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 around your home, use the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Check exterior corners, making sure the two sides 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
- 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 even more energy savings, call in a professional. Experts can conduct a comprehensive energy assessment, including a blower door test that can help find major sources of energy loss in your home, and let you know how best to fix them for greater energy efficiency. Contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts in Winnipeg for a professional energy assessment at 204-800-0613.