Air leaks cause heat loss, which is undesirable in the winter and leads to higher energy costs and discomfort. Finding and sealing air leaks is an essential part of home maintenance. Leaks can occur anywhere but are common around windows and doors. F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Cheshire, CT, wants to help you prevent these leaks and protect the efficiency of your heating system this winter.
Why Are Air Leaks a Problem?
Older homes are more likely to develop air leaks due to less stringent construction standards in the past and materials and building practices that resulted in gaps. Air leaks become a problem in the winter because they force your heating system to work much harder than necessary. Your heater may experience more significant wear and tear, and its lifespan may lessen.
The United States Department of Energy warns that air leaks can become a problem throughout the year. They contribute to moisture issues, affect family health, and compromise a home’s structural stability. Stopping air leaks is one step toward better indoor air quality.
Finding Air Leaks in Your Home
Although air leaks can happen anywhere in your home, some spots are more vulnerable. At F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer home energy audits in Cheshire and surrounding communities. The following are some of the most susceptible areas for air leaks in homes.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors feature multiple moving parts that can begin to experience wear and tear over time. Component wear and tear can create openings in the framing that cause air leaks. Improper installation and worn gaskets and seals can also lead to air leaks.
Weather stripping can help seal gaps around your doors and windows, but it does not last forever. You should check your weather stripping each season and replace it every few years. Look for cracks, tears, and missing pieces, and replace them as necessary.
Attic and Roof
Several roof areas are prone to developing air leaks, including chimneys, vents, plumbing pipes, and roof and wall joints. One of the most common causes of leaks is deteriorated flashing.
Although roof flashing can last 15 to 30 years, it can become damaged in weather events like high winds. Animals can also cause damage. You should schedule an annual roof inspection to check for signs of problems.
Your attic is also a prime location for air leaks. Warm air naturally rises because of the stack effect. Gaps, where the walls meet the attic, hatches, lights, and electrical wiring, can all create air leaks. Your heating system could work too hard, making your home uncomfortable as heat escapes your attic.
Basement and Crawl Spaces
Basements and crawl spaces can create air leaks due to gaps around utility lines and plumbing pipes. Your home can also develop foundation cracks that permit air leaks. Our inspection of your home’s basement and crawl space can help us identify air leaks.
Outlets and Switches
Outlets and switches are the most overlooked areas for potential air leaks because of hidden gaps around the electrical assembly boxes. Depending on the size of the gaps, you may feel cold air coming from them.
HVAC Ductwork
Your HVAC ductwork could also allow heat to escape from your home. Ductwork can leak due to improper installations, wear and tear, and animal damage. You should have your ductwork checked for signs of damage every three to five years.
We offer Aeroseal duct sealing services to stop air leaks, reduce electricity costs, and improve indoor air quality. These services can help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system and maintain a more comfortable home environment.
Fireplaces
Your fireplace’s structure could have gaps and cracks, a poorly sealed damper, or a damaged flue liner. These issues allow cold air to seep into your home, making it more uncomfortable and making the heater work harder.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual fireplace inspections to check for damage. Inspections help you discover air leak issues so professionals can repair them.
Signs of Air Leaks in Your Home
We want you to know the signs of air leaks in your home. Knowing these signs can help seal any leaks properly and improve HVAC energy efficiency and comfort.
The following are common signs you may notice with home air leaks:
- Increased electricity bills
- Cold drafts near doors and windows
- Uneven temperatures
- Increased dust
- Poor air quality
Professional Air Leak Testing
A professional energy audit evaluates your home’s energy efficiency. Our technicians will first discuss your electricity bills, comfort issues, and signs of problems. Then, we will assess your home’s age, size, insulation, HVAC system, and windows.
A check of the exterior will determine any structural issues you must address. One of the first tests performed is a blower door test, which uses a special fan mounted on an exterior door frame. During this test, all other doors and windows remain shut. If there are leaks, the fan causes air pressure to drop inside the house. Using pressure gauges, we can pinpoint areas of concern.
Another tool used for energy audits is infrared thermography. Infrared cameras can detect temperature differences across many materials. These tools scan walls, ceilings, floors, and ducts. Cold spots in the imaging tests reveal air leaks, helping us discover where sealant is needed.
Benefits of Professional Energy Audits
Although you can put weather stripping around your windows and doors to help reduce drafts, you should leave some tasks to professionals. Our home energy assessment team wants you to understand the benefits of these professional services:
- Improved energy efficiency
- Increased comfort
- Lower energy costs
- Improved air quality
- Protected health
- Personalized recommendations
- Increased HVAC lifespan
- Reduced risk of HVAC repair issues
Preventative Home Maintenance Tasks
In addition to a professional energy audit, you should monitor your home for signs of issues. To avoid air leaks, replace damaged home materials. You should also consider upgrading your windows and doors. Double-pane and storm windows can provide better insulation.
If you prefer to keep your windows, consider installing low-emissivity films. These metallic coatings help reduce heat transfer, improving efficiency and lowering electric bills. Identifying and sealing air leaks is essential for keeping your family comfortable and your HVAC system working effectively and efficiently. Better indoor air quality will protect your family’s health and reduce electricity costs.
F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated plumbing, heating, air, and electric company. We offer extensive installation, maintenance, and repairs for all makes and models of HVAC systems, plumbing components, and electrical systems. We offer residential and commercial services, including solar, fuel, roofing, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Our expert team also provides comfort advising and 24-hour emergency repair services.
Our company’s roots go back to 1870, and we continue to serve the community with the complete home services it needs. We oversee every project with a supervisor to ensure we handle every detail correctly the first time. If you are concerned about air leaks in Cheshire, call our expert technicians at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to schedule an energy audit today.
