Sealing Air Leaks Improves Whole-House Efficiency

When it comes to home energy costs, all homeowners want to get the most for their money. There are various ways to do this, from proper heat pump maintenance to installing “smart” thermostats. However, this will all be in vain if your home is not airtight. Sealing air leaks can save a lot on your yearly energy bills, but before you can fix the air leaks in your home, you have the locate them.

When you are looking for leaks in your home that are allowing air infiltration, it is often possible to detect the air leaks with your hand. You might also use a lit incense stick, as the smoke will move in the presence of the leak.

There are a number of important places to check when you were looking for air leaks.

• Doors and windows: One of those common reasons for air leaks in a home are gaps around doors and windows. When sealing these air leaks, use weatherstripping or caulking.
• Light switches and outlets: For sealing air leaks around light switches and outlets, you can buy gaskets from a hardware store. Just make sure that you have turned off the power before you do this.
• Plumbing openings: Check the openings in your walls for plumbing pipes and vents. Small gaps should be filled with caulking, but larger gaps should be filled with expanding foam.
• Recessed lighting: Also examine any recessed lights in your home for air leaks. You can purchase gaskets for sealing these as well.
• Attic: Seal any air leaks in your attic floor with caulking or expanding foam. Also ensure that your attic door is completely sealed when it closes.
• Furnace and fireplace flues: Your homes flues should all be closed when you are not using them.
• Foundation sill: Check for any large gaps along the foundation sill in your basement, sealing air leaks with expanding foam.

By sealing air leaks in your home, you can save money throughout the year. If you have any questions about this, please contact C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve Middletown residents and will be happy to help you.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about sealing air leaks  and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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