How to Make Sure Your House Is Not Leaking Air
Tiny cracks around doors, windows and walls let cold and warm air escape from your home, making your HVAC system work harder and adding extra costs to your utility bills. Here are a few ways you can check to determine whether you have an air leak in your house.
Identify Key Trouble Spots
There are a few spots where air is most likely to leak, so pay extra attention to these regions:
- Attics
- Ducts
- Recessed lights
- Porch roofs
- Chimney shafts
- Foundation edges
- Door frames
- Window frames
Look for Any Cracks
Go through the house and look for any cracks or gaps in the materials of your walls, floor, ceiling, windows, and doors. Pay extra attention to trouble spots, but remember that air leaks can be anywhere.
Look at Your Utility Bills
If you notice that your utility bills seem abnormally high even after getting your system repaired and serviced by My Energy Wise Home Services, it may be a sign that something is interfering with your efficiency.
Use the Paper Test
Hold a thin piece of paper against areas that might be leaking. If there is air coming through, you will notice the paper moving. You can also try passing the paper around the edges of closed doors and windows to see if these fixtures are shutting properly.
Get an Energy Audit
You can often find bigger leaks on your own, but if you want to be sure that your house is airtight, consider getting a professional energy efficiency test. This can involve sealing and depressurizing the house before blowing a fan through the home to look for leaks. Professional technicians have sensitive equipment to isolate even small gaps.
If you think you could benefit from improved energy efficiency in your home, check out My Energy Wise Home Services‘s helpful heating, cooling, and air quality services. Give us a call today to find out more about everything we can offer in the Modesto, CA area. You can rely on us for comfort equipment installation, repair, and maintenance, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.