Check for air leaks to save energy and money

Rising energy costs coupled with the continued adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles are two factors driving homeowners to seek ways to make their homes more energy efficient. Reducing energy consumption is reason enough for many homeowners to make changes around the house, and saving energy means saving money as well.

Energy efficient appliances and eco-friendly building materials can help reduce energy consumption. Homeowners looking for additional ways to cut cooling and heating costs can address air leaks around the house.

Identify air leaks around windows and doorways in Autumn. Fall, and particularly late fall, tends to be characterized by cold air that makes it easy to detect leaks. Feel for cold spots around windows and doorways, ideally conducting tests on cold, windy days when you can quickly detect if air is flowing in from the outside. Leaks waste energy because the interior of the home is either colder (in the winter) or warmer (in the summer) than desired, prompting homeowners to turn up their thermostats or rely more heavily on air conditioning units.

While windows and doorways are where many leaks are found, leaks also may be found around plumbing, electrical fixtures and dryer vents. Inspect such areas by feeling for drafts or looking for signs that insects and critters might be entering.

Look up and down. Evidence of air leaks may be noticeable on both the floor and the ceiling. Dirty spots on carpeting and the ceiling may be indicative of air leaks. Fixing such leaks may be as simple as applying some caulk.

Go with gaskets. The department of energy recommends installing foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls. Outlets and switch boxes on exterior walls provide another place for air to leak into a home and drive up energy costs. Properly installed gaskets can cut back on air infiltration, providing an inexpensive way to save

energy and money.

Cover the kitchen exhaust fans when you are not cooking. Kitchen exhaust fans can help prevent fires and unfavorable indoor air conditions when preparing meals at home. However, such fans provide opportunities for outside air to enter a home, so make sure they are tightly closed or covered when no one is cooking.

Air leaks around a house can waste energy and contribute to high energy bills, particularly during the winter and summer when temperatures outside tend to be at their most extreme. Homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption and save money can inspect various areas of their homes for air leaks and immediately address any they discover.