During winter, you will notice your home’s air leaks more than any other time during the year. Most people refer to these air leaks as “drafts.” Typically, you’ll feel these drafts around doors and windows. However, the most significant air leaks are in your attic and basement. Since your HVAC system uses the most energy than any other system in your home, these leaks significantly raise your energy bill.
Where to look for air leaks:
Locating air leaks can be difficult, so here are some troublesome areas that Energy Star and other expert sources mention:
- In the attic – behind kneewalls, the hatch
- Crawl spaces
- Wiring holes
- Electrical outlets and switch plates
- Open soffit (where recessed lights are)
- Duct registers
- Windows and doors
- Plumbing vent
- Basement rim joists
How can you fix them?
Plugging air leaks can bring your monthly energy costs down by 30%! Here are some things you can do to seal up those leaks:
- Caulk and weather strip doors and windows
- Use foam gaskets for outlets and switch plates
- Use expanding foam to seal large gaps around doors, windows, and baseboards
- Calk holes where wiring, plumbing, or duct goes through wall and ceiling
- Cover kitchen exhaust fans when not in use
If you notice that your heating bills continue to be unreasonably high, contact us! Our experts will look at your current system and make recommendations on how to maximize your energy savings.
