All homeowners want to stretch their energy dollars as far as they can. There are many ways to do this, from regularly changing air filters to installing smart thermostats. However, one of the most important energy-saving steps is to find and seal any air leaks in your home. Determining how to air seal a house is important, but first you have to locate those pesky leaks.
How to Air Seal a House
There are a number of places where you could have air leaks in your home. You can often detect these leaks with your bare hand on a cold day. The smoke from a lit incense stick will also show you where you have leaks.
Doors and windows: Cracks around doors and windows are a significant source of nearly. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal them
Electrical outlets: You can have leaks around electrical outlets and switch plates, which you can seal with expanding foam or small gaskets
Plumbing or vents: Small openings around pipes or vents exiting your home can be sealed with caulk, while you want to use expanding foam for larger ones
Attic hatch: Make sure that the door leading to your attic is equipped with an airtight seal
Attic floor: Examine your attic for four small cracks or gaps around pipes or vents. Seal the cracks with caulk and the bigger gaps with expanding foam
Fireplace: The damper should be closed on your fireplace when it’s not in use
Foundation sill: Examine your foundation sill. Any large gaps can be filled with expanding foam
Plumbing or vents: Small openings around pipes or vents exiting your home can be sealed with caulk, while you want to use expanding foam for larger ones
Attic hatch: Make sure that the door leading to your attic is equipped with an airtight seal
Attic floor: Examine your attic for four small cracks or gaps around pipes or vents. Seal the cracks with caulk and the bigger gaps with expanding foam
Fireplace: The damper should be closed on your fireplace when it’s not in use
Foundation sill: Examine your foundation sill. Any large gaps can be filled with expanding foam
Attic floor: Examine your attic for four small cracks or gaps around pipes or vents. Seal the cracks with caulk and the bigger gaps with expanding foam
Fireplace: The damper should be closed on your fireplace when it’s not in use
Foundation sill: Examine your foundation sill. Any large gaps can be filled with expanding foam
Foundation sill: Examine your foundation sill. Any large gaps can be filled with expanding foam
Making your home airtight will save you money and make it more comfortable for you and your family. If you have any other questions about how to air seal a house, please feel free to contact Senica Air Conditioning, Inc.. Our courteous and trained professionals serve the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas, and we will be happy to assist you.
