An essential component of residential energy efficiency is home weatherization. While this involves comprehensive insulation, it also calls for an airtight home, one where both heat energy and air is kept from transferring between inside and outside. Finding and sealing air leaks is essential if you want your home's heating and cooling system to condition your home effectively and efficiently.
Not only should your home's outer envelope be sealed against air leakage, air ducts also should be tightly sealed.
How Do You Find Air Leaks?
You'll be surprised to learn how much air leakage you can find yourself. Inspect your home's outer envelope from both the outside and inside. Look for leaks at sill plates (where the foundation and drywall connects), and spots where utility wires, pipes, vents and flues protrude through foundation, walls and attic. Inspect windows and doors to make sure they're tightly sealed.
Take a lighted smoke pencil or incense stick and slowly move along your home's inside walls, holding the smoke against places where air leaks are possible. If the smoke wavers, that indicates you've found air leakage. Do this on a windy day when more air movement is likely.
Consider hiring a professional energy auditor to conduct a comprehensive energy assessment of your home. Using infrared imaging equipment and other diagnostic tools, the auditor will find where air is leaking and insulation is lacking. They may also inspect ductwork for possible air leaks.
Sealing Air Leaks
Eliminating air leakage requires careful application of caulk, spray foam and weatherstripping. The type of sealant depends on the type and size of leak. For most modestly sized gaps and cracks, caulk will do the job, but for larger openings, spray foam should be used. For window sashes and door frames that are allowing air infiltration, use weatherstripping. Most applications come up with detailed instructions on how and when to do the work, and with what type of tools.
For more information on air sealing your Fort Wayne area home, or to discuss a custom energy audit, please contact us at Hart Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about detecting air leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
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