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 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 entering through your windows or doors. These air leaks are fairly easy to spot, but air leakage can also come from less obvious spaces around your home. Review the suggestions below to complete your own energy assessment.
Inside your home
First, you’ll want to inspect your windows and doors. If they rattle 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 take care of 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, check out the Department of Energy’s tips for sealing leaks.
Outside your house
- Inspect exterior corners, making sure the two sides 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
- 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 additional 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 McKinley Heating Service Experts in Edmonton for a professional energy assessment at 780-800-7092.