How do I check for air leaks in my house?
Most people don’t think about checking for air leaks in their homes, but it’s a really important step in determining the energy efficiency of your home. Air leaks can cause many problems, including making your home feel drafty and cold in the winter and hot and stuffy in the summer. They can also increase your energy bills by allowing heat or air conditioning to escape your home.
How can I find air leaks in my house?
To accurately evaluate air leakage, consider hiring a certified professional to conduct home energy testing or blowers door tests. Other methods for finding air leaks are also available.
There are a few different ways that you can check for air leaks in your home. One way is to use a smoke pen or incense stick. Hold the smoke pen or incense stick up to suspected leakage areas (around doors and windows, electrical outlets, ductwork, attic hatches, etc.) and see if the smoke is drawn into the hole or opening. If so, you’ve found an air leak.
Digital Infrared Thermometer
Another way to check for air leaks is to use a digital infrared thermometer. This type of thermometer can detect temperature differences in the surface of materials, which can indicate where there are gaps or holes in the material. Simply point the thermometer at the suspected area of leakage and see if the reading is different than the surrounding area.
Fixing air leaks
If you find any air leaks, you’ll want to seal them up as soon as possible. There are various ways to do this, depending on the size and location of the leak. For small leaks, such as that on doors and windows, caulk or weather stripping may be enough to seal cracks. If you can see sunlight around your door when it is closed, it may be time for new weather stripping. For larger air leakage, you may need to use the proper insulation or sealant.
Once you’ve sealed up all the air leaks in your home, you’ll notice a difference in your home’s comfort level, and it will be more energy efficient. Because your home will no longer leak air, the hot air and cold air will not be lost so easily, allowing your HVAC unit to do its job more effectively. So don’t forget to check for air leaks next time you’re evaluating the energy efficiency of your home!
Common sources of air leaks in your home
List a couple of the most common leakage areas in the home to make an effective check if there has been air leakage.
1. Windows and doors- check for cracks around the frames or gaps where the door meets the frame
2. Electrical outlets- check for gaps around the edges of the outlet cover
3. Ductwork- check for leaks at the seams of the ducts or where they meet registers
4. Attic hatches- check for gaps around the edges of the hatch or door
5. Chimneys- check for cracks in the mortar or gaps around the flashing
How can I air seal my house?
Now we can start detecting any possible source of an air leak. Start with windows and doors where leakages can be found upon a visual inspection, and then move into attic and basement areas. The sealant in the air can capture pollutants and toxic gases, including carbon dioxide, and deteriorate the indoor atmosphere. You should check for home air leaks before installing any new insulation.
Other areas to check
Recessed Lighting
If installed on the highest floors, a hole is made into the ceiling, causing an insertion into the attic. If you can see leaking air escape from your roof and cause a lot of damage inside it. Never attempt installing lights on the pot. This could result in significant heat damage.
Inspect the Exterior
Look for any cracks in the exterior of your home. These cracks can be found around doors and windows and in the foundation. Another thing to check is window mounted air conditioners because they leak cold air rapidly to outside air causing more home air leaks for you to fix. If you find any cracks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Interior Walls
Check the interior walls of your home for any cracks or holes. These can be found around electrical outlets, switch plates, and light fixtures. If you find any cracks or holes, seal them with caulk or insulation.
Attic and Basement Areas
Check attic and basement areas for any gaps or holes. These can be found around pipes, ductwork, and wiring. If you find gaps or holes, seal them with caulk or insulation.
Should I get a blower door test?
The energy auditors perform the most efficient test in the home, which is a blower door test. The blower door test procedure is done to seal your house and blow a specially designed air-conditioned fan. Air leak tests are performed before and after sealing the home to ensure the auditors can determine the leaks and determine the best solutions to the problems. Energy.gov says sealing air leaks suggests that 5%-30% can lower your home’s energy costs. Although a blower door test is a great choice for an energy assessment with a professional, there are several methods for finding drafts at home using what you own.
Where are the biggest air leaks usually found in homes?
Generally, the most significant leak is in an attic under an insulation layer. Large gaps in walls or roofs and leakages such as duct ducts or pipes can be the largest source of damage. Inspect these areas for any visual signs of cracks, condensation, or gaps. Check the foundation and framing of your house to make sure there are no ENERGY STAR®-qualified homes that have much less air leakage than standard homes.
Options for sealing air leaks in your home
If you find the area where the problem lies, then it’s time for your system to plug in the leak. The location of the leak is important as it determines how the repairs must be carried out. However, there are many different ways to fix an air leak.
The most common are:
– Caulking- A durable sealant that adheres to most surfaces and can be used on both the interior and exterior of your home.
– Weatherstripping- This is a less permanent solution that can be applied to doors and windows. It is typically made of foam or felt and creates a barrier between the moving parts of a door or window to prevent air leakage.
– Expanding foam insulation- A great option for larger gaps and cracks, this insulation expands to fill the space and create a seal.
– Sealant- A more heavy-duty option for sealing air leaks, sealant typically comes in a tube and can be applied with a caulking gun.
Remember, it’s important to check for air leaks in your home in order to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By taking the time to seal up any leaks, you’ll be saving money and energy in the long run!