Improve the Heating and Cooling Efficiency of your Home by Locating and Fixing Air Leaks
Check the seal around your windows for air leaks.
In many cases, you can resolve the problem yourself without the help of a professional. The following tips will help you locate air leaks in your home and seal them.
- Finding the Air Leak: Check the most common areas first including around your doors and windows as well as the foundation to leaks. For your doors and windows, pay attention to the weather stripping and check to see if there is extra space in the frames. You should also check the following for air leaks:
- Confirming the Leak: If you believe you have found an air leak, you can confirm this by lighting an incense stick or candle near the suspected leak. The smoke will either escape the area through the leak or get blown back into the space.
- Seal Cracks with Caulk: You can seal cracks that are smaller than ¼ of an inch wide with caulk. If you need to caulk in an area exposed to extreme heat, use caulk that can handle the high temperature.
- Seal Cracks with Foam Sealant: For cracks that are between ¼ of an inch and 3 inches in width, use foam sealant to seal them.
- Install New Weather Stripping: If the weather stripping around your doors and windows does not seal properly, replace it with new weather stripping. Check the hinges on your doors as well because loose hinges could cause air to escape.
Basement
Attic
Outside corners
Foundation
Baseboards
Air ducts
Air conditioners
Door and window frames
Weather stripping
Entrances for gas and electrical lines
Vents and fans
Entry points for pipes
If you suspect that there may be an air leak in your home, check these common areas to find the leak and fix the problem by sealing it. Finding and fixing the air leaks will help you keep a comfortable environment in your home by eliminating drafts and allow you to heat or cool your home more efficiently for lower utility bills. You can always talk to a restoration professional to learn more about how you can keep your home protected to prevent property damage and other issues.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More content specialist with more than 12 years of experience researching, writing, and educating property owners about water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More, storm damage, and other disaster recovery topics. Since 2014, he has served as the leadLead is a heavy metal that can be toxic to humans, especiall... More contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com, where he has developed hundreds of in-depth service pages, educational guides, and industry-focused articles for restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More professionals across the United States.
Through extensive research and ongoing collaboration with restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More contractors, Vince has built a strong foundation in the science, processes, and best practices behind property damage mitigation and recovery. His work helps homeowners, business owners, and property managers understand how disasters impact structures, what immediate steps to take, how professional restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More works, and how to prevent long-term structural and health risks.
Vince specializes in translating complex restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More procedures — including water extraction, structural dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More, smoke odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More removal, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More containment, and storm damage repairRepair is the act of fixing or restoring damaged property, m... More — into clear, actionable information that empowers readers to make informed decisions during high-stress situations. His content aligns with industry standards and focuses on safety, accuracy, and practical response strategies.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Aurora University and his master’s degree from DePaul University. Since 2012, Vince has focused on SEO-driven website content, technical service pages, and educational resourcesResources include tools, personnel, equipment, and materials... More within the disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More industry.
Outside of his professional work, Vince is also a musician and performs in the Chicago, IL area.
