Not unlike gnomes,
air leaks are small, bad news, and probably hiding in your house. While each leak may be tiny, in the typical home,
the total heat loss is like leaving a window open year-round! Often
it's not the obvious air leaks that are the problem; it's the ones you can't feel or reach easily. Heat loss often happens through cracks, small holes, and penetrations for plumbing, wiring, lighting, and ductwork. Energy Star estimates that hiring a skilled contractor to seal your home can
save up to 20 percent on home heating and cooling costs.
To address air leaks, hire an energy specialist like a home energy rater, who can use diagnostic tools to measure leaks and recommend solutions. Some energy specialists can also perform the fixes they recommend, but if not, they can refer you to someone whose forte is sealing air leaks.
Sealing air leaks is part of insulating your home's envelope (its outer shell, including walls, windows, floors, and ceiling), the home energy improvement often yielding the most bang for your buck. (And it can make your home more comfortable while saving energy.)
Want to get in on the leak-sealing action? The Hohm team shows you how to stop air leaks around electrical outlets and light switches:
Check for free energy audits.
Energy audits are often provided by utilities for free or at a discounted rate. Contact your electric or gas utility and ask if they offer an energy audit.
Before work starts, ask your energy specialist some questions. How long will the evaluation take? (This can take up to three hours, depending on home size.) Will they provide a list of improvements? Can they make the improvements or recommend a contractor?
Before work starts, ask your air sealing contractor some questions. Do they measure air leakage before and after sealing by using a blower door? Do they test the safety of combustion appliances after sealing? Can they install insulation or refer you to an insulation contractor?
Have leaks sealed before insulating. Finish sealing air leaks before you add insulation. Some air sealing contractors also install insulation or can recommend an insulation contractor.