Air leaks in your home create two pretty big problems. They waste considerable energy and thereby inevitably increase your utility bills. 

 

An air leak allows your temperature-regulated air to escape from your home, making it warmer in the summer and colder in the winters. To solve this problem, you can hire an HVAC technician to perform an energy evaluation and identify where the air leaks are located.

 

Once the leaks are detected, you can develop a plan to seal the leaks and stop wasting energy. Sealing air leaks will also reduce the wear and tear on your heating and cooling system and lower your energy bill. 

Signs of Air Leakage 

Air leakages can occur in many places throughout your home. Some signs that indicate a possible air leak include: 

  • Increased in-home pests 
  • More dust or allergens 
  • Higher energy bills 
  • Mildew around the windows and doors 

 

An HVAC technician can complete a blower door test to detect the location of any leaks. 

Common Sources of Air Leaks 

Unfortunately, air leaks can be difficult to detect. They aren’t always noticeable because they can be hidden behind walls, vents, and insulation. Additionally, as your home gets older, the foundation begins to settle and can create tiny cracks that allow the air to leak. As these cracks grow, more air will leak through the openings they provide.  

 

If you suspect an air leak, check the following areas: 

  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Attic
  • Vents
  • Exhaust fans
  • Recessed Lighting
  • Flooring
  • Crawl Space

 

Even electrical outlets can have openings that will allow air to leak out of your home. 

Finding Air Leaks in Your Home 

For the most thorough and accurate way to detect air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician who can complete an energy assessment, such as blower door testing in St. Johns. 

 

This examination is a test that depressurizes a home to reveal any leaks. A complete energy assessment will detect areas that could benefit from more insulation. 

Blower Door Testing in St. Johns 

A blower door test is administered by putting a blower door fan in the entry doorway and sucking the air from the home’s interior. Throughout this process, air from the outside of the home is pulled into the house through the leaking space. 

 

With specialized equipment, a trained, professional technician will calculate the air leakage rate of the building. 

Air Sealing Your St. Johns Home 

Air sealing is a way to insulate your home when air leaks have been detected. This sealing is done by placing insulation to fill in the gaps and leaks, thereby blocking air movement in and out of your home. As a result, your heating and cooling system will not have to work as hard.

 

A sealed home will eventually begin saving you money. You’ll notice your energy bills decreasing because your home will begin to retain the hot and cold air. As a bonus, some homeowners may qualify for tax credits that will further enhance the value of this important service.