March 22, 2016
The cost of staying cool in the warm Hampton Roads area springs and summers is high enough without air leaks stealing your conditioned air. If you'd rather save your money for things besides energy bills, air sealing should be on your to-do list.
How Air Leaks Cost You
Tiny cracks and gaps around your windows, doors, outlets, and many other areas let your indoor air escape while outdoor air enters. As your heated or cooled air seeps out, your furnace or A/C has to work harder to make up for the loss, which raises your energy bills. The hot, humid air slinking in during the summer raises the load on your A/C even more. Air infiltrating into your attic causes moisture problems that can lead to rot and mold.
Dust, pollen, mold spores, car exhaust fumes, pesticides, and other air contaminants also enter through leaks, reducing your indoor air quality. While some will merely clog up your air filter, others pass right through the filter and circulate through the air you breath. In addition, leaks provide an opportunity for termites and other pests. Air sealing helps protect you from all these problems.
Seal the Leaks and Save
When there's a breeze blowing, take a smoke pen or burning incense stick and hold it up to potentially leaky areas to see if any air moves the smoke. Areas to check include:
- Doors and windows
- Penetrations for utility lines
- Exhaust fans
- Outlets and light switches
- Baseboards and crowd molding
