Living in a home with drafty rooms during the winter or overbearing summer heat can be uncomfortable and incredibly costly. Many homeowners are often surprised to learn that the culprit behind these discomforts and towering energy bills is not their HVAC systems but leaks and drafts throughout their homes.
Air sealing, an often overlooked process, can be a transformational approach to making your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective. In this article, we’ll discuss the significance of air sealing, how it works, and its profound impact on your living experience and your wallet.
The Importance of Air Sealing
Air sealing identifies and seals potential air leaks or gaps in a home’s structure. These leaks can occur through doors, windows, walls, roofs, attics, basement rim joists, and other areas throughout the house. When left unaddressed, they can cause significant energy loss by allowing conditioned air to escape and outside air to enter.
The constant exchange of indoor and outdoor air can lead to fluctuating temperatures, drafts, and uncomfortable humidity levels inside the home. This often results in homeowners turning up their heat or AC systems, significantly increasing their energy consumption and bills. These leaks can also contribute to poor indoor air quality by allowing dust, allergens, and outdoor pollutants to enter the house.
The Process of Air Sealing
Air sealing begins with a thorough home inspection by a professional energy auditor or contractor. They will use specialized equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to identify any air leaks and measure the overall air tightness of your home. They will develop a plan to seal the identified leaks and improve your home’s energy efficiency based on their findings.
The process of air sealing involves using various materials such as caulk, weather stripping, foam insulation, and sealants to close gaps and cracks in the home’s structure.
These materials are applied to window frames, door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, and other vulnerable spots. The goal is to create an airtight envelope that prevents air from leaking in and out of the house.
The Benefits of Air Sealing
The primary air sealing benefit is increased energy efficiency, which directly translates into cost savings for homeowners. By sealing air leaks, your home will require less heating and cooling, lowering energy bills. It also creates a more comfortable living environment by maintaining consistent temperatures and reducing drafts.
But the benefits of air sealing go beyond just cost savings and comfort. It can also improve indoor air quality by preventing outdoor pollutants from entering your home, making it a healthier place to live. Additionally, an airtight envelope can help reduce noise pollution, providing a quieter and more peaceful living space.
Conclusion
Air sealing is crucial in making your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthy. It reduces energy consumption and costs and improves indoor air quality and overall living experience.
If you’re experiencing drafty rooms or high energy bills, consider having a professional conduct an air-sealing assessment for your home. It may just be the transformation your house needs. For this reason, try not to wait too long to start planning this project.