Improving Whole-House Energy Efficiency: Air Leaks Let Energy Dollars Escape From Your Home
When you’re trying to reduce your utility costs and optimize home comfort, whole-house energy efficiency is the best approach. View your home as a system, and consider all of the components that play a role in it. The first step in improving the system is addressing air leaks.
Air leaks are a significant factor when it comes to whole-house energy efficiency. Heated or cooled air that is allowed to escape through air leaks can be a major source of energy loss, and consequently, a contributing factor to higher utility bills. Some sources of air leaks are obvious, but you might be surprised by some of the others. When looking for air leaks, check all of the following locations:
- Walls, floors and ceilings
- The fireplace
- Plumbing
- Windows
- Doors
- Ducts
- Electrical outlets
- Vents and fans
While some of these leaks can be easily sealed with caulking or weatherstripping, a professional energy consultant can identify air leaks and other sources of energy loss that you cannot. Professionals use the following sophisticated methods to identify air leaks in your home:
- Blower door test: The more airtight your home is, the less air infiltration it will have. A blower door test identifies hidden air leaks by changing the indoor air pressure and drawing outdoor air in through areas that have not been properly sealed.
- Thermal imaging: A thermal camera highlights temperature differences on the exterior of your home. Temperature differences in certain areas can be an indicator of hidden air leaks.
- Visual evaluation: Air leaks in ductwork can lead to higher utility bills and uncomfortable rooms. An energy consultant will inspect your ductwork for gaps, cracks, holes and other leaks. He may use tools like a smoke pencil to see where air is flowing out of your ducts.
Assessing whole-house energy efficiency and fixing air leaks is a very affordable way to save money on your monthly energy bills.
For all of your home comfort needs in the greater Cincinnati area, contact the trained professionals at Apollo Home Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. Get started with an Apollo Home Performance Consultation to maximize whole-house energy efficiency, or contact us any time for expert advice.