Checking for Air Leaks in Your Home
Most people have invested a great deal in their homes and even more in keeping them comfortable through the changing seasons. However, many homeowners don’t realize that their investments could be leaking air. In addition to making a utility bill more expensive, a home with air leaks can also put unnecessary additional stress on the heating and cooling equipment. If you suspect you have this problem and you’d like to correct it, here are a few suggestions.
Start With a Visual Inspection
Leaks can be difficult to locate, but there are certain places where they’re commonly found. You should examine both the interior and the outside of your home. Anyplace where two exterior materials join can pose a problem. Pay particular attention to the seams in siding. Gaps around window frames and doors are frequent culprits. Other trouble spots might include electrical outlets, air ducts, plumbing vents and wiring holes where cable TV and telephone lines enter the home. Large gaps may be found by noticing a draft against your hand or by having someone indoors shine a flashlight that might be seen through gaps outside at night. Mark these areas with blue tape and seal them.
Light a Stick of Incense
There’s another test for smaller leaks. Close the doors and windows to prevent air from entering. Light a stick of incense and make a complete tour of the house while holding it near suspect spots. When you notice the smoke drifting in a particular direction, you’ll know you’ve found a leak.
Purchase an Air Leak Detector
Inexpensive devices to detect air leaks can be found on the market. Some of them are smoke pencils. One of these is simply a more sophisticated version of our incense test. Others will inform you of the temperature differences in various surface areas. These tools can be useful, but they’re not as thorough as the tests employed by professional technicians.
Call in the Experts
If you want a complete assessment to determine if your home is airtight, contact Mario's AC today. Our certified technicians would be happy to perform an accurate inspection. They bring more than 80 years of combined experience to the residents of Hudson. Count on us for all your heating and cooling needs, including installation, repair, and maintenance.
