Preventing air infiltration

Posted by Guest Blogger on October 31, 2011

Air leakage – or infiltration – occurs when outside air enters a house through uncontrolled spaces like cracks and small openings. Properly sealing cracks and openings in your home can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs, improve building durability and create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.

Air sealing is one of the most significant energy-efficiency improvements you can make to your home. This will not only reduce energy costs, but will also improve your home's comfort.

To start this process, look for air leaks throughout your home. Check the below listed openings on the exterior of your home for gaps or cracks that could cause air leaks:

• Door and window frames
• Mail chutes
• Electrical and gas service entrances
• Cable TV and phone lines
• Outdoor water faucets
• Areas where dryer vents pass through walls
• Bricks, siding, stucco and foundation
• Air conditioners
• Vents and fans

 Once you’ve finished examining the exterior of your home, check these areas on the interior:

• Plumbing passages
• Electrical passages
• Sill plate (base portion of the home, connected to the foundation to which the framing is attached)
• Electrical outlets and switches
• Attic bypasses (typically located around chimneys, ceiling light fixtures, heating ducts, kitchen and bath exhaust fans, plumbing, electrical wires, dropped ceilings and soffits)

 A variety of materials can be used to seal air leaks. In general, caulk is a good choice for small cracks and holes. For larger holes, use foam sealant or tightly-rolled fiberglass insulation.

 If you detect a draft coming from an electrical outlet, use foam to seal behind the cover plate and place plugs in unused outlets.