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Air leakage can account for 25-40% of the total energy used to heat and cool an average home.* Closing up the tiny cracks, gaps, and holes in your Central Pennsylvania home can save you money, improve your indoor air quality, and make your home a more comfortable place to live. Here are the most common areas to find air leaks in a house.
*ENERGY STAR
Attic Hatches
Usually, attic hatches aren’t sized perfectly and don’t have weatherstripping or insulation on the other side.
Duct Registers
If not properly sealed, the holes that are cut out to accommodate duct registers can allow air easy access in and out of your house.
Wind Washing
If you have vents under your roof eaves, wind can enter and reduce the effectiveness of your insulation.
Dropped Soffits
Dropped soffits can conceal wiring, plumbing, or lighting fixtures, but without proper air sealing, they can waste energy in a home.
Recessed Lighting
Too often, recessed lighting is installed without carefully sealing and insulating around the lighting cans to avoid air leaks.
Windows
Older windows are a common source of air leaks, letting air escape and infiltrate your home via cracks and warping.
Doors
Ever feel a draft next to an exterior door in your home? This is common with older doors, especially those without weatherstripping.
Basement Rim Joists
Rim joists can be a major source of air leaks in a home, especially since they’re often where utility companies run cables or piping in your home.
Dryer Vents
Dryer vents need to let air escape, but flimsy plastic flaps are common sources of unwanted air infiltration and can wear out with age.