There aren’t many things that will sink your Central Texas air conditioning and heating bill faster than air leaks around your house. Air leaks in your house can cause you to slowly lose significant amounts of hot or cool air without you even knowing it, resulting in a potentially high bill as well as a very inefficient heating and cooling. With winter on its way out and spring just around the corner, you can expect both problems if your home isn’t as airtight as possible.
Where To Find Air Leaks
Air leaks are most commonly found wherever two types of construction components connect as well as when sealant or caulking has disintegrated. Obvious leakage areas are around doors and window frames, but many other lesser known places can allow air seepage, as well.
When checking for air leaks, be sure to inspect outlets and light switch covers, baseboards/molding and DSL/cable/phone cord hook-ups in the walls, washing machine hoses, piping, ductwork, anywhere fan covers or vents (dryer and otherwise) are inserted into the wall or ceiling, outside dryer venting or water spigots, and points at which outside siding, bricks, or stone meet.
Possible air leak areas seem endless, but you can find many of them – if you know what you’re looking for.
How To Find Air Leaks
Besides simply looking at any of the above-mentioned locations for cracks, gaps, or spaces, you can also shine a flashlight over them to see if any light filters through a potentially weak area. Many tiny leaks are best found after depressurizing your house.
On a windy day, close all outside doors, windows, and vents, and shut off your HVAC system to prevent any air movement. Turn on any exhaust fans in your home to force inside air outside. Then, with a lit candle or incense, pass it slowly over any area of your home that might have air leaks. Any place the smoke is forced in or out of the room or house very likely indicates a leak.
If you would like other ideas to help save energy around your house, check with 1st AC and Heating. If you would like, we’ll send a licensed HVAC technician to your home or business and offer ideas on improving your system’s overall efficiency. 1st AC and Heating’s licensed technicians repair, replace, and service HVAC systems in all areas of Austin, Buda, Kyle and San Marcos, Texas.