Air leaks or “drafts” occur when unintentional outside air enters your house through cracks or openings. This does not only make your house uncomfortable, but wastes energy and costs you money!
Step one: Find the source of the draft. Check these common places for air leakage:
It is wise to focus on basements and attics first because these are usually the biggest culprits for air leakage and sealing these drafts will have the most impact on your energy use. Although doors, windows, and walls are the most noticeable drafts, and the solution tends to be simple, this will result in the smallest impact on energy use.
Step two: Seal the air leak. Common sealing projects include:
One important thing to note: Air sealing can inadvertently cause a different problem – trapping indoor pollutants like radon or carbon monoxide and creating an unsafe situation inside your home. You should consider bringing in one of our professionals to test for these harmful gases – both before and after sealing air leaks.
If you detect complex issues during your inspection for drafts and possible leaks, you may need the help of a professional. If you would like more information, feel free to contact us, or call us at 800-20-ENERGY.