With energy costs on the rise, it’s important to assess your home for air leaks. Even small leaks introduce unwanted air into your residence—and allow conditioned air to escape. Sealing these leaks can lower cooling and heating bills.
Finding Air Leaks
The first step in fixing a leak is to find it. Windows and doors are obvious offenders. First, close a piece of paper into your window. If you can pull it out, the window is not sealed properly. Other common spots for leaks are under and around doors, and around ductwork, outlets and plumbing. Any time one material changes to another (for instance, where brick joins siding), leaks can also occur.
One way of finding leaks is to turn off the furnace and turn on all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans. Light a stick of incense, moving it along baseboards, window frames and areas that might leak. The smoke from the incense will indicate where the leaks are. Another method is to run a damp hand along potentially leaky areas. If you are still unsure, a qualified cooling expert can help find the source of these costly leaks.
Choosing the Right Weatherstripping and Caulk
Caulk can be used on small leaks of ¼" or less, and may be purchased in silicone, latex and similar varieties. Each type has different degrees of cost and durability. The type of caulking you use depends on the leak location and the material it adheres to. Weatherstripping can be also used to seal leaks around windows and doors, and types and costs of this product can also vary. Moisture exposure, frequency of use and location of doors and windows should all factor into the type of weatherstripping you select.
Additional Energy Tips
Remember that installing new attic insulation can significantly impact energy savings, as well. When you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, call the Mauzy professionals. We’ll provide a home energy audit, assess your existing insulation—and make sure your house is properly ventilated. This ventilation allows polluted air to escape while cooled or heated air stays inside.
If your energy costs are rising due to leaking air, don’t wait until the winter chill sets in. Ready to save on energy bills while keeping your house warm? Call a certified Mauzy HVAC technician to schedule your no-obligation consultation today.
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