Look for Leaks and Find Savings Around the House
Posted by: Javier Vilchis | 04/23/2019 at 12:00 PMYour home may look and feel rock-solid, but odds are it’s actually leaking like a sieve. That’s because there are dozens of places where hot air can get out, and cold air can get in. And while the best way to check is to hire a professional to conduct an energy audit, you can still do your own air leak inspection to see where you may be throwing money out the window, door, chimney or other opening.
- Material Meetings. Check the outside of your home for any place where to different materials meet, including all exterior corners, outdoor water faucets, where siding and chimneys meet and where the foundation and brick, wood or siding meet.
- Entrances and Exits. Look around all doors and windows. Check the frames for gaps and make sure weather stripping is still in good condition.
- Chimneys and Attics. Make sure fireplace dampers are functional and closed when not in use. Check attic hatches and insulation levels.
- Go Low. Look over your baseboards. Make sure that outlets, cable connections and phone lines are all fit snugly. The same goes for dryer vents.
- Powerful Connections. Gas and electrical lines need to be checked, too. Just remember to visually inspect them and call a professional if they need an insulation update.
After completing your home audit, you can tackle minor fixes yourself, using these tips on increasing home energy efficiency or you may even take on some bigger fall projects. And, of course, you should always consult a professional if you’re ever unsure about a home improvement task. Get started today and stop blowing money on air leaks around your house!
Source: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/weatherize/air-sealing-your-home/detecting-air-leaks
