No matter how much you upgrade your HVAC system’s equipment, you can’t enjoy the full benefits of high-efficiency cooling and heating without first sealing air leaks in your home’s envelope. Leaks that allow air to escape your home and let outdoor air inside can be a problem, even in modern homes.
Why Sealing Is Important
The process of sealing air leaks is quite simple. Using weatherstripping, caulking or spray foam, depending on the situation, you fill the gap that’s allowing air to escape. Here are some major benefits of air sealing:
- Better comfort: Drafts of cold air in the winter and hot air in the summer are uncomfortable. A sealed home gives you better control over temperature in your home.
- Less energy use: When your HVAC system doesn’t have to reheat or re-cool the indoor air as often, it runs less often. This lowers your energy bill and decreases wear and tear on your system.
- Improved air quality: Air is filtered before it’s heated or cooled by your HVAC system. When outdoor air enters your home, it’s not filtered and can contain many undesirable contaminants that lower air quality.
How to Find Leaks in Your Home
The real challenge of air sealing is finding the leaks in the first place. If you suspect you have a serious leaking problem, it might be worth calling in a professional for a thorough energy audit. Otherwise, start by checking for leaks around windows, doors, exterior walls and your attic.
To check for leaks, look for obvious cracks or gaps. Another method is to feel around with your hand for any moving air or to light an incense stick, which will make leaks obvious when the smoke is disturbed. Do this during a windy day so that air movement is more pronounced. Also, close all doors and windows to make it easier to notice leaks.
If you would like professional help finding and sealing air leaks in your Indianapolis area home, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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