If there are multiple air leaks in your home, even a high-efficiency HVAC system will be compromised and you'll end up paying more than necessary for your seasonal home comfort. Here are some suggestions that will help you find and fix the air leaks in your home that can rob you of comfort and cash.
Attic: Check the attic for air leaks in your home where the walls and frame contact the attic floor. Look for leaks around hatches, access doors, dropped soffits and ceilings, and kneewalls. Seal the largest holes and gaps first to get the most benefit in the quickest time. If you still need assistance finding smaller holes, you may need to get help from your local trusted HVAC provider.
Doors and windows: Gaps between doors and windows and their frames, as well as between window panes and the window itself, can cause large amounts of air and energy loss. Install foam or rubber weatherstripping around the edges of the doors and windows to stop drafts and air leaks. Use silicone caulking to seal around the edges of window panes.
Lights: Look for air leaks around light fixtures and open soffits, the boxes that hold recessed lights. Seal these leaks with caulking.
Ductwork: Inspect the ductwork of your HVAC system for loose connections, unsealed joints, detached sections, damaged sections and other problems that could cause air leaks. Re-seat any loose or detached sections, making sure they fit together tightly. Use the specialized sealant mastic or metal tape to seal joints and connections between sections.
Basement: Check for leaks in the areas where walls and house frame contact the house foundation. Also look for leaks where block or cement contacts the wood framing. Inspect openings and holes where pipes, wires, conduits or utility connections enter the home. If needed, contact your HVAC professional for more help finding basement leaks.
Let Air Assurance bring its more than 30 years of professional experience to your HVAC job in Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Contact us today for more information on finding and sealing air leaks in your home and for supplies and equipment to help you do the job.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock