Home Air Leaks Could be Costing You

That drafty spot next to the front door or bedroom window might be more than just an uncomfortable nuisance. It could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year in increased utility bills. Air leaks allow the heated or conditioned air produced by your HVAC system to leak right out to the outdoor environment while outdoor air seeps right into your home. Understanding how home air leaks could be costing you and taking action now can save you money and improve your comfort level.

Common Places Where Home Air Leaks Occur

There are many common locations where air can leak around your home. These places include:

• Door and window frames
• Electrical outlets on exterior walls
• Dryer vent and exhaust fan outlets
• Attic and roof vents
• Chimneys and furnace flues
• Leaky air ducts
• Overhead garage doors
• Uninsulated or under-insulated walls and attics
• Cracks in the foundation

How Much Do Air Leaks Cost You?

Air leaks have many direct and indirect costs. As heated or conditioned air from your home leaks out, your heating system or air conditioner must cycle more frequently to achieve the temperature setting on the thermostat. More frequent cycling means higher utility bills. More frequent HVAC cycling also causes more wear and tear, which can result in more repairs and shorter system lifespans. Overall, air leaks could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year in wasted energy and unnecessary repair and replacement costs.

How to Reduce Air Leaks Around Your Home

You don’t have to continue to live with air leaks around your home. Some actions that you can take now include:

• Installing door sweeps
• Weather stripping doors
• Caulking windows, vent openings and foundation cracks
• Increasing the R-value of your attic and wall insulation
• Hanging thermal drapes
• Scheduling duct repair for leaky air ducts

 HVAC Repairs to Prevent Air Leaks

In some cases, the heated or conditioned air is leaking but staying within your home. Many homeowners wonder how this can be. A small tear, gap or loose connection in the air duct system lets the heated or cooled air leak into space within the walls or crawl spaces before it can reach your living spaces. Ductwork repairs by experienced professionals can put a halt to these air leaks.

By taking action to prevent air leaks now, you can enjoy lower utility bills and an increased level of comfort in your Alexandria, VA, home. Preventing air leaks only requires a small investment but you’ll enjoy immediate and significant returns for your efforts. To schedule air duct repairs or learn more about boosting your home’s energy efficiency, call us at Commonwealth Cooling & Heating today.