Up to 50% of your home’s heating and cooling is lost due to air leaks. Think of all that energy, just up in the air.
While there are plenty of air leaks you probably know about, there are lots you may not. Follow this helpful guide to see how to spot – and stop – all of these pesky air leaks!
1.) Try the dollar bill test
Air leaks around windows and doors are the easiest to spot and stop. The rule-of-thumb is that if you can slide a dollar bill or piece of paper under your window or door, you’re probably leaking air. It may not seem like much, but it really adds up. Sealing around doors and windows can make an immediate and major impact, without costing you a lot of money or time.
2.) Seal before you insulate
Major air leaks can come from any outside-facing part of your home – like hidden holes in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. You may not see or feel them, but they can cause big problems for your energy bill. Seal these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping before you install insulation. Be sure to find a participating retailer to take advantage of PSO’s instant savings on select weatherization and home maintenance products.
3.) Check for sneaky air leaks
Some air leaks are hard to find and require a little imagination. Common sneaky spots include baseboards, recessed lighting, and around fireplace surrounds. If you suspect a spot may be leaking air, you can light a candle and place it next to the suspected spot to see if air blows the flame. Not sure where to start? Check out the most common trouble spots in your home.
4.) Get a whole home test
You could do all of the above yourself, or you could turn to the pros. Ask your service provider about air sealing services for your home. If you choose a PSO-approved service provider to perform air sealing through our Multiple Upgrades rebate program, you’ll see exactly how much air is entering or escaping your home and be able to stop energy waste in its tracks.
Even better? Qualifying customers can get home weatherization upgrades – like air sealing, insulation, and more – free of charge. Click here to see if you qualify for PSO’s free home weatherization assistance.
Don’t let air leaks wreak havoc on your energy bill. Follow the four tips above to make air leaks a thing of the past!