Improving Whole-House Energy Efficiency: Air Leaks Let Energy Dollars Escape From Your Home

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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.

"Ernie & Mike did a superb job on my new furnace and A/C installation. Despite having more than a day’s work to do, they came in and stayed until the job was done. They were organized, efficient, and protected the rest of the house well. Got both furnace and A/C installed the same day. Ernie was courteous, informative, and clearly knew his job better than anyone I’ve encountered before. The units look so good guests now get The Tour of our new system. Apollo is clearly not a fly-by-night company. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a new furnace and/or A/C."
- Jerry A.
"I called Apollo because of a water leak I thought I had in our upstairs shower going into the kitchen. Robbie came and assured me everything was fine & looked at all the other plumbing. He ended up changing a few pipes for our washer & clearing a drain. He was very nice & knowledgeable with all my questions. I ended up signing up for the care plan & was very happy with my service."
- Cassandra B.
"The team at Apollo exceeded my expectations. As a business owner, my attention to the details and commitment to providing excellent service is high. From the sales rep. to the installation team, everyone’s performance was outstanding. For example, the installation team went to great lengths to protect our floors, placing floor runners and across the wood floors and up the stairs. They even were spot washing walls upon their departure. I highly recommend this company."
- Randy B.
"We scheduled an estimate AND a tune-up. We knew something was wrong with our furnace, but hoped we could make it through the rest of the season. Upon telling Bill what our furnace was doing, he warned us immediately what the possible outcome was going to be; a cracked heat exchanger. He watched the flames roll backward, tested carbon monoxide levels, which were so high they meter’s last reading was 5,600 before saying “high”. He immediately shut it down, tagged it, and explained that with levels that high and children in our home he wanted off right away. He continued his inspection and showed us via a camera that not only was it cracked in multiple places, but had holes all over it. He gave us a few options for repairing it; his knowledge as well as genuine concern was beneficial and refreshing. Luckily we also scheduled an estimator, Micah, to come too and we were able to get costs between repairing and replacing (with several options). We decided to replace with a much higher efficiency furnace and one sized properly to our home. Hands down, not only did they both provide us great service and knowledge, but without sounding dramatic, they may have saved our lives. This was our first time calling Apollo, but it won’t be our last."
- Sarah B.
"Apollo is an excellent company. I always receive great service. Alex A. was professional and friendly. He kept me informed during the process of checking my furnace and heat pump to make sure they were working properly. The company makes sure you are notified who is coming and when they are on the way. All my interactions with the company have been wonderful."
- Beverly S.
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