Fall Energy Tips: Locating and Sealing Costly Air Leaks

With winter weather quickly approaching and energy costs rising, it’s important to evaluate your home for air leaks. Leaks introduce unwanted air into your residence, while allowing warm air to escape. Sealing these leaks keeps your home cozy and lowers your heating bills.

Locating Air Leaks

To seal off air leaks, you must first find them. Look in the obvious places: around windows and doors. To test for leaks, close a piece of paper between the pane and the sill. If you can pull the paper out, the window is not sealed properly. Door bottoms are also common spots for air leaks. Additional overlooked locations are plumbing cut-outs, duct work, and outlets.

Leaks also occur in places where materials change, such as where concrete foundations contact wood. Run a damp hand along these areas to find drafts. Another method of locating leaks is to turn on all exhaust fans (bathroom, kitchen, etc.) and power down the furnace. Light a stick of incense, and move it along potentially leaky areas. The smoke from the incense will indicate where leaks are. If you are still unsure, it’s best to hire a qualified furnace expert to find the source.

Selecting Weatherstripping and Caulk

Small leaks can easily be sealed with caulking. Caulking comes in many different varieties, ranging from silicone to latex, and each option varies in durability and cost. The type of caulking will depend greatly on (1) the material it is to be used on, and (2) the location of the leak. Leaks around windows and doors can be repaired with weatherstripping, which also comes in a range of types and costs. Moisture exposure, frequency of use, and location of the door or window will impact wear and tear, and should be taken into consideration when choosing any weatherstripping product.

Other Energy-Saving Tips

Other leaks may take more work than the average DIY-er can handle. New attic insulation can lower your energy costs. A professional should be called in to properly select and install insulation, and to make sure your house has proper ventilation. Ventilation allows polluted air to escape while heated air stays inside.

If air leaks are compromising your comfort and driving up energy costs, sealing them can make a noticeable difference in warmth and savings. When you’re ready to save on energy bills and welcome winter with a cozy home, call Mauzy to schedule a no-obligation consultation—or to inquire about installing new insulation and energy-efficient HVAC systems in your home or business.