What is Air Sealing?
Air sealing is simply closing holes, cracks, and gaps where air can pass into or out of your home. On hot and cold days, you pay money to run an air conditioner or a furnace to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature. A house that leaks air costs more to be heated or cooled, because your system must work longer to "condition" the air. In addition,if you happen to sit next to one of those leaks, you are uncomfortable because the room may feel hotter or colder due to drafts. Sealing the air leaks to your living area (or envelope) will help you maintain your home at a comfortable temperature all year long and help lower energy bills.
This picture shows a home envelope in RED
The biggest holes are most often found in the attic and the basement. Caulk, spray foam, weather stripping and insulation are the most common materials used for air sealing.Hidden air leaks cause some of the largest heat losses in older homes. Common air leakage sites include:
- Plumbing penetrations through floors and ceilings
- Chimney penetrations through floors and ceilings
- Fireplace dampers
- Attic access hatches Recessed lights and fans
- Wiring penetrations through floors, ceilings, walls
- Electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls
Typical Air Leaks in a Home
Warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home during the winter can waste a lot of your energy dollars. One of the quickest dollar-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. You can save as much as 10% on your heating and cooling bill by reducing the air leaks in your home.
Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
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