How to Seal Air Leaks in Your Home This Fall

According to a recent study, the average American household spends about a third of its annual heating and cooling budget on air that simply leaks out of their homes through gaps and cracks. That’s hundreds of dollars wasted each year. Fortunately, many of these cracks and holes can be easily patched up yourself to improve overall home performance. As the temperature drops this fall, now is the perfect time to address the problem. Here’s how.

Insulate Around Recessed Lights

Homes in the U.S. typically have a bunch of recessed lights. These fixtures have vents that open into the attic which is a direct route for heated air to escape making it one of the leading causes of air leaks. Luckily, this is easily fixed by installing an airtight baffle which you can purchase for under $10. Simply remove the bulb, install the baffle into the housing, then replace the bulb.

Assess Your Windows

It is no surprise that the most significant drafts occur around your doors and windows. You can remedy this problem by caulking or adding new weatherstripping, however, these quick fixes tend to be temporary. If you have old, outdated windows, then you should consider speaking to a window replacement contractor about upgrading to new, energy-efficient windows. 

Fix Gaps in the Basement

In many older houses, air tends to seep where the house framing sits on the foundation. You can fix this by spreading caulk between the foundation and the sill plate. You should also seal around pipes from your furnace and water heater but be sure to use caulk that can withstand high temperatures.

To make sure that your house is ready for the coming winter months, consider an energy assessment from the folks over at California Energy Consultant Service. To schedule an air leak test, feel free to give us a call at (916) 852-8132 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment today. We serve home and business owners in Rancho Cordova and Sacramento, CA, as well as neighboring communities.