STOP GLOBAL WARMING
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Home Sources of Air Leaks

Air leaks are responsible for huge energy losses in most homes, and you will get much smaller energy bills and a more comfortable house after fixing them.

Check the existing caulking and weather stripping

When checking possible air leaks, see if the existing caulking and weather stripping is in good condition and applied properly, and with no gaps or cracks.

Indoor air leaks

Check if air isn’t flowing through in…

- Attic hatches;
- Electrical outlets and eventual gaps around them;
- Switch plates;
- Window frames and around them;
- Door frames and around them;
- Fireplace dampers;
- Wall and window air conditioners;
- Foundation seals;
- Mail slots;
- Pipes and wires (gaps around them).

Baseboards, edges and junctures

Do not forget to inspect possible gaps and drafts in the…

- Edges of the flooring and junctures of the walls (possible gaps);
- Baseboards (gaps along them).

Outdoor sources of air leaks

You should inspect exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see if exterior storm doors or primary doors seal tightly.

Look for possible air leaks outside your house, in specific places, namely exterior corners and areas where different building materials meet: the bottom of exterior brick/siding, the foundation and chimneys.

Look also for cracks and holes in the mortar, siding and foundations.

Seal cracks, holes and air leaks with the appropriate material. Holes and penetrations linked to faucets, pipes, electric outlets, wiring, etc. should also be properly caulked.

Caulking and weatherstripping

If there are air leaks, gaps, holes, penetrations or cracks in the places listed above, fix them quickly. It’s typically easy and cheap, and you will get significant energy savings.

See:
Caulking
Weather-stripping
Side effects of Caulking and WeatherStripping