Checking for Air Leaks In Your Home

The warmer weather is here, and you’re relaxing with your family in the A/C. Going through the day’s mail, you notice this month’s utility bill. Opening it, you discover to your dismay that your energy usage is way up over this time last year. Unless you do something soon, it’s going to be an expensive summer. At that moment, you feel a subtle draft coming from a poorly sealed window, and it occurs to you: you’ve got air leaks.

Your home has countless seams and joints where air exchange can occur. These gaps may seem small and insignificant, but over time the amount of energy wasted can really add up- equivalent to leaving a window open all year long.

Meanwhile your air conditioner is running overtime to compensate, wearing out your equipment prematurely. Worst of all, you’re paying to cool the great outdoors! The good news is that you don’t have to. Here are some handy tips to locate these pesky air leaks from your home:

• First, try the "hand test." Simply put your hand on front of doors and electrical outlets and feel for any change in temperature or air flow.
• Second, you can try a candle test. To use this technique, turn off your air conditioner and walk around your home with a candle, looking for flickering around seals and other gaps like window frames, cable TV and phone lines, and fireplace dampers.
• Third, you can invest in an air leak detector. These devices can help you track down leaks quickly and easily. Light-up indicators on the device can tell you whether it's a warm or cool leak.

If you notice a leak, head to the hardware store and pick up some caulk to seal up those gaps. Doing so will help save you money this summer and keep your family cool and comfortable.

With your air leak issues resolved, you can enjoy the summer in your cool, comfortable home without fear of the next utility bill. Most of all, you can stop paying to cool the air outside your home!

If you're experiencing other problems with your heating and cooling system, don't hesitate to ask one of our Coolray experts! We have tips for making your home more energy efficient, saving you time and money in the long run.