With most of winter checked off the calendar, it’s time to look forward to warmer weather ahead. Yes, spring is in the air! However, if you had home comfort problems this winter, turn over a new home-efficiency leaf and seal them up! Read on to learn why sealing air leaks in your home is a must-do spring maintenance project to optimize comfort and energy savings.
Finding Air Leaks
It’s a scientific fact that the heat energy in warmer airflow seeks to move to cooler air. That’s the primary reason your home should be sealed and insulated to begin with. This natural air movement is exacerbated by air pressure differences.
Now, to find those wasteful leaks, close windows and doors and turn off fans and your HVAC system. Light an incense stick or smoke pencil. Hold the lit device to common points of leaks. If the smoke wiggles or moves too much, you’ve found a leak. Look for air leakage in the following areas:
- Search for air leaks inside your home at windows, doors, electrical outlets, dryer vent and wall, chimney dampers, the attic hatch, and wall penetrations from pipes and wiring.
- Search for leaks outside your home where any two different building materials join, such as the foundation and siding, spigots, and pipes. (You don’t need to use the smoke test outdoors.)
- Air ducts are notorious for leaking conditioned airflow before it even reaches your living spaces. Use the smoke test at duct joints. Also, dirt streaks and rattling noises are indicators of loose joints.
- Perform the smoke test in your basement and attic. Par particular attention to gaps around pipes, light cans, and flues.
Sealing Air Leaks
- Silicone caulk seals window frames.
- Foam weatherstripping is great for the attic hatch.
- Silicone tubing seals exterior door frames.
- V-strip weatherstripping seals windows sashes and door frames.
- Expanding spray foam is great for sealing larger cracks and gaps in the walls, basement, attic, and home exterior.
- Mastic paste and metal tape seals those hidden duct leaks.
For professional assistance finding and sealing air leaks, please contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about TOPIC and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area