July 26, 2012

Air infiltration can create a significant energy drain in your home. That’s why sealing your home, and putting a stop to air leaks, is an energy-saving step that every homeowner should perform.

Sealing your home is a relatively simple process, and also is a low-cost action that will translate into higher energy savings for many years to come. But if you’re going to take the time to seal your home’s air leaks, you’ll want to do it right the first time to maximize your return on investment and avoid wasting your time. This guide will show you how to use caulk and weather stripping to stop air infiltration, keeping more conditioned air inside your home year-round. Before you do, you’ll need to find leaks. Most homes leak air in the same places, so you’ll want to examine areas like:

  • Around windows and door frames
  • In areas where cuts in building materials were made to accommodate electrical wiring, plumbing pipe, or cable or phone lines
  • Wherever home-construction materials join together, such as between baseboards and walls, and walls and ceilings
  • Around attic hatches and fireplace flues

It may be difficult to locate leaks visually. It can help to shut off airflow in your home to pinpoint leaks. Do this by:

  • Closing all windows and doors
  • Shutting off fuel-burning appliances
  • Turning on any exhaust fans
  • Lighting an incense stick, and passing it over the typically leak-prone areas discussed above. Watch for moving smoke, which indicates a leak air infiltration, and a potential leak.

Once you find leaks, it's time to seal them up with caulk or weather stripping. Using caulk First, clean the area to be caulked. Then, hold the gun at a 45-degree angle, and apply the caulk in one continuous motion, stopping just short of the end of the leak or crack. Make sure the caulk is pressed deeply into the crack for a complete seal. Applying weather stripping Clean the surface area, and be sure to apply weather stripping when the temperature is between 20 and 90 degrees. If it's too hot or too cold, the seal may not adhere, which will cause the leak to reemerge. Measure the strip, and then press it snugly onto the undercut of the door or window to ensure a tight seal. Sealing your home maximizes energy use and creates optimal comfort. For more expert advice, contact Russell's Heating & Cooling today! Serving homeowners in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia since 1977. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about sealing your home and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Maintenance Plans

Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach
  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA
  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA
  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA
  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA
  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA
  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach
  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach
  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA
  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach
  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA
  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God
  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA
  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA
  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach
  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA
  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA
  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA
  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA
  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach
  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA