Finding Drafts Around the Home Increasing Your Energy Costs

The amount of money you can save by simply finding and preventing drafts around the home can be staggering. Each home is different, but the more drafts and air leaks present, the more likely it is that you are overspending on your energy costs, both heating and cooling. The problem is, it is not always easy to find these drafts. Follow these steps to find potential air leaks.

Go Outside

Head outdoors and walk around the home, looking at the building. Specifically, you are looking for areas of joints. This includes exterior corners, water faucets, foundations, siding connection points, and your chimney. Any holes or gaps need to be sealed.

Check Out the Interior

Inside your home, you’ll notice various points where potential drafts can occur. Any opening to the exterior of the home is a potential problem. The following areas are of particular interest.

• Electrical outlets – look for openings around it and seal properly
• Doors and window frames – in particular, run your hand along the edges looking for potential gaps. Use caulking or other fillers to repair the problem or consider investing in a new frame.
• Fireplace dampers – If these are not closed properly, significant air can come in. Ensure you have an annual inspection of your fireplace to ensure this isn’t a problem.
• Baseboards – Gaps in the flooring can cause air leaks. Removing them, patching any holes, and replacing them tightly can minimize this risk.
• Dryer vents – This is a particularly problematic area in many homes. A tight seal is critical to keep the cold air outside.
• Cords – If you have television or phone lines that create a hole in the wall, this creates a gap. It is often possible to fill in these holes to minimize air leaks.
• Vents and fans – A tight fit is also important with each of your vents.

Inspect each of these areas for any air leaks. If you find them, repair them properly. By doing this, you could see significant improvements in your overall heating and cooling costs. Be vigilant about the process, too. By moving room to room, you’ll spot all potential problem areas. Soon, you’ll notice it’s easier to control the comfort in each room of your home.