How to Eliminate Air Leaks for Better Energy Efficiency

Saving on your monthly utility bill doesn't have to mean sacrificing your lifestyle. But it should involve you proactively taking steps to ensure your home and all of the devices in it are maintained properly and operate at peak efficiency. One easy way to curb energy costs is to inspect your home seasonally for air leaks and seal them right away. Not only will this help conserve energy, but it'll also reduce noise levels from outside, improve humidity control and stop pests from entering.

Detect the Location of the Air Leak

Walls, doors, and windows are most susceptible to air leaks, and you can easily inspect these areas yourself. But for a complete inspection to ensure your home doesn't have any hidden air leaks, it's best to hire an HVAC technician to perform a blower door test. He or she will determine where you're losing energy and how to fix the issue. When inspecting the outside of your home for air leaks, look at:

The water faucets
The exterior corners
The area where the siding and chimney meets

When inspecting the inside of your home for air leaks, look at:

Door and window frames
Weather stripping around doors and windows
Electrical outlets
Baseboards
The area where the dryer vent passes through the wall
Fireplace dampers
Attic hatches

TIP: If the door or window moves when you shake it gently, or if you can see daylight around its frame, there's likely an air leak. You can seal windows with caulking and doors with weatherstripping.

Seal the Air Leak Using the Right Sealant

Air leaks range in size. Use the right sealant to ensure proper protection.

Use caulking for skinny and small-sized gaps
Use squirt foam for medium-sized gaps
Use fiberglass insulation for large gaps

In addition to sealing the air leaks in your home, there are other ways to watch your energy consumption this fall in southern Florida. For more information about testing your home for energy efficiency, contact one of our representatives at AC Southeast® today.