How to Detect Air Leaks In Your Home

Finding and Stopping Home Air Leaks

Introduction:

Window air leaks are a big source of heat leaks from your home. Not only will heat be lost through widow air leaks, cold air can enter causing an uncomfortable environment and raise your energy cost. Anyone who has felt a chilly draft on the inside of their home on a windy day has detected a wind effect leak. A wind effect leak is air forced through the house by wind due to air leaks. In order to stop the unwanted air flow through your home you need to identify the source of the leak so it can be plugged.

Finding leaks is not always an easy task. The suggestions below are offered for how to detect air leaks in your home.

Less obvious than wind effect air leaks are stack-effect air leaks. These often combine to create larger energy losses than those due to wind. Stack-effect leaks are caused by warm air rising through the house similar to hot air rising through a chimney. The lost heated air sometimes travels in very convoluted paths such as through cracks in the foundation, up through interior walls, and then through penetrations in ceilings. When it finally gets to where it is going it then exits the house causing heat loss.

Wind effect air leaks are easy to find. During any windy day hold a coat hanger with tissue or plastic wrap draped over it, or a lighted candles near the doors and windows. Fluttering or flickering indicates a wind effect leak and will most likely require additional insulation or weather stripping be installed.

Stack effect leaks are more difficult to locate. The two main areas in which to concentrate your search are the foundation and the attic. Start by inspecting the foundation from the inside by looking for cracks in the concrete or gaps in cinder blocks. Pay particular attention to the mortar between blocks. Caulk any leaks. Check for gaps between the foundation and the lower framing plate that rests on the foundation.

Inspect the attic plumbing vent stacks and chimneys where they pass through to the roof. Attic access hatches and doors are also potential problem areas. Look at the ceiling joist ends. There may be little to no insulation. Add insulation as necessary to stop leaks.

Inspect the interior of the house for gaps between drywall or plaster and trim, around electrical and plumbing outlets and openings, and where recessed lights, hood fans, and vents penetrate the ceilings or walls. These areas nearly always are a source of air leaks if they are not properly insulated.

Stopping home air leaks will result in energy savings and reduce your utility cost.

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