Transitioning Seasons: Checking for Air Leaks

Have you been getting a feeling you’re spending way too much on your heating bill this winter, particularly since it doesn’t get all that cold in Corpus Christi? It could be you’ve got air leaks. One of the best ways of improving your HVAC system efficiency is to stop your conditioned air from leaking out, while keeping outside air from migrating in.

The first step is to check for air leaks.

Finding Energy Leaks

The best way to find air leaks in your home is to hire a professional energy auditor. Using special equipment, the auditor can detect where energy is leaking out, and where you need to add insulation. If you’re not ready to take that step, you can conduct a do-it-yourself air leak search.

Light a stick of incense. Go around your home, placing the incense stick in front of any place where your conditioned air might be leaking out, or outside air might be migrating in, such as these:

• door and window frames
• any exterior opening for cables, wires or pipes
• baseboards
• attic hatch
• recessed lighting canisters
• electric switches

If the smoke wavers, you have a leak. Use weatherstripping, caulk or insulation to stop air leaks.

You may also need to install more insulation on your attic floor to prevent heat loss in the winter. Make sure attic insulation is at least up to or over the joists.

If your recessed lights are not insulated, purchase special fire-rated insulation covers to install in the attic, on top of the lighting canisters.

Ductwork

Your ductwork could be another source of heat/cooling loss. If you are able to check the ductwork, inspect it for holes or loose segments and repair all with mastic, foil tape and metal screws. Do not use duct tape.

If your ducts are not insulated and they are in an un-conditioned space, you may want to look into having insulation installed to improve your home’s efficiency.

To learn more about checking for and repairing air leaks in your Coastal Bend Home, contact CCAC. We’re constantly concerned about customers.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your HVAC system, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.