A leaky house is considerably less energy efficient than a correctly sealed one. Understanding how to detect air leaks in your house, sealing those leaks and scheduling a home energy assessment when necessary can help you establish a comfy living environment and decrease your energy bills.
Detecting Air Leaks from Inside Your Home
Initiate your air leak inspection on the inside of your home. Here are four successful methods for finding air leaks in your house:
- Conduct|Perform|Carry out]13] a comprehensive visual inspection, looking for gaps and cracks on or near windows, doors, electrical outlets and baseboards. Pay special attention to the corners of rooms, because gaps can commonly be found there.
- Put your hand close to potentially leaky areas on a cold or windy day. If you sense a draft, you’ve uncovered an air leak.
- Perform the smoke test by lighting an incense stick or smoke pen. Then, slowly move it all around the edges of windows, doors and other potential leaky areas. If an air leak exists, the smoke will blow around or get sucked toward the gap, showing the location of a leak. The smoke test is more effective when done on a windy day.
- Employ an infrared thermometer or thermal camera to detect temperature differences in your home. This equipment will help you detect sections of your home with sizeable temperature variations, which often indicate air leaks.
Detecting Air Leaks from Outside Your Home
Studying the exterior structure can also reveal potential leaks. Here are two methods for detecting air leaks from the outside:
- Perform a visual inspection, paying close attention to corners and locations where different materials meet. Hunt for gaps or cracks that could cause air leaks, as well as deteriorated caulk or weatherstripping and poorly sealed vents and exhaust fans.
- Perform the garden hose test on a chilly day. This is where someone sprays water from a garden hose onto the exterior while another person stands inside where there is a suspected air leak. If there’s a leak, the person inside really should feel cold air or moisture entering through the gap.
Sealing Air Leaks
After identifying serious air leaks, it’s time to address the issue. Here are the most effective strategies for sealing air leaks in your home:
- Use caulk to seal small gaps and cracks around windows, doors and other areas where air is escaping. Choose a high-quality, long-lasting caulk intended for indoor or outdoor use and the specific materials you are trying to seal to ensure a durable seal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct application and curing time.
- Apply weatherstripping to doors and windows to help them close tightly. A variety of of weatherstripping are sold in stores, including adhesive-backed foam tape, V-strip and door sweeps. Pick the appropriate style for your needs and follow the installation recommendations.
- Use expanding foam to fill and seal more substantial gaps and holes. Expanding foam comes in a can with a spray applicator for easy application in hard-to-reach spots. Wear protective gloves and stick to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you stay safe.
- Apply insulation to newly sealed walls and attic floors to further cut down on heat transfer. Whether or not you already have some insulation, consider upgrading to a higher R-value or adding more insulation where it’s currently lacking.
- Add door sweeps along the bottom of outside doors to stop drafts. Door sweeps are made in various materials and designs to fit your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Considering a Comprehensive Home Energy Assessment
A home energy assessment is invaluable for spotting hidden air leaks and pinpointing areas of improvement. A professional energy auditor does this inspection, which involves the following:
- A blower door test involves installing a temporary door with a sturdy fan over an exterior door opening. The fan pulls air away from the house, lowering the indoor air pressure and drawing in outside air through unsealed openings. This test measures your home’s air tightness and makes thermal camera images easier to read.
- Infrared imaging helps the energy auditor detect temperature discrepancies in the walls, floors and ceilings, revealing invisible air leaks and insulation gaps.
- A combustion safety test ensures your home heating system, water heater and other combustion appliances are operating safely and effectively, decreasing the risk of potentially harmful carbon monoxide buildup.
- A homeowner interview is when the energy auditor analyzes your energy usage habits, home maintenance history and comfort challenges to identify additional energy-saving options.
Schedule a Comprehensive Home Energy Assessment
While carrying out your own air leak tests is a good jumping off point, partnering with a professional is far more thorough. Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you improve your home’s air tightness with a comprehensive home energy assessment and personalized solutions to enhance effectiveness and comfort.