Most people have experienced a draft of air, whether it was in their own home or somewhere else. Maybe this draft of hot or cold air is because you’re standing right next to a vent. But if that’s not the case, it’s likely due to an air leak within the home or building.
An air leak occurs due to a crack somewhere in the walls, windows, or ceiling that allows the inside air to move outside and outside air to move inside. While you might not have much control in sealing air leaks at the office, you do have control over the air leaks in your own home. To keep your home’s temperature airtight, use these effective methods to seal air leaks.
Seal Air Leaks in The Attic With Spray Foam
When was the last time you went into your attic? As you’re checking your home for leaks, don’t forget to check your attic because air leaks are especially common here.
If you find any holes or leaks, spray foam is the best solution in this case. It comes in a canister and is very easy to use. All you have to do is aim and spray.
A light-colored foam will expand over the hole and seal the air leak. One thing to be aware of is that spray foam is pretty noticeable to the eye.
The foam will stick out like a sore thumb, which is why it’s best to use it in attics or garages rather than in the middle of your living room where everyone can see it.
Seal Air Leaks Throughout The Home by Caulking Holes
Caulking holes is another method for sealing air leaks. The caulking material looks a bit different than the spray foam.
It comes in a tube that you squeeze, almost like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Once you fill the hole with the solution, you can smooth it out with a flat metal plate.
The great part about using a caulking solution to fill holes is that you can use it throughout the home on walls, floors, and ceilings. Its appearance is subtle and it’s easy to paint over, matching the covered hole to the rest of the wall. As the spray foam, it keeps your home airtight.
Seal Air Leaks on Windows And Doors With Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is best for sealing air leaks on windows and doors. It looks like a long, thick tape-like roll of material. You can roll the solution along the edges of the doors and windows in your home, and the sticky backer will cover any holes or leaks.
This method helps uphold the structure of the home and makes the air you want inside your house stay there, with no escapes. However, keeping the air you want inside of your home isn’t the only benefit that these three solutions provide.
They also prevent dust and insects from sneaking into your home. Small critters such as ants, ladybugs and other insects, and even mice can enter your home through the holes you have throughout your house. Additionally, sealing your air leaks also saves energy.
Your heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the air inside your house warm during the winter, and the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the air inside your house cool in the summer. And you know what that means: lower energy usage means you save money!
While these methods work well for small air leaks within your home, if you have a large air leak, it’s best to seek outside help. If you need assistance in sealing the air leaks in your home, call our staff at RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to find out more!
