The cooler fall season is a good time of year to seal the air leaks in your home that contribute to higher cooling and heating costs and reduce indoor air quality. Air coming inside from all those little leaks adds up. When it’s lost through loose ducts, your energy bills rise even higher. The places where air enters or leaves homes in our region include:
- Windows
- Exterior doors
- Fireplaces
- HVAC ductwork
- Plumbing, wiring and cable entrance points
- Dryer vents
- Recessed lighting
Almost all of these are reasonably simple to seal, with the exception of fireplaces and recessed lighting. You may need a fireplace specialist to seal an ill-fitting damper and an electrician or skilled tradesperson to help you seal the leaks around recessed lighting that protrudes into the attic, since exposed wires may be involved.
Most of the remaining leaks can be sealed with caulk or expanding foam, which comes in a pressurized can, and weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is the best way to seal the air leaks around exterior door frames, window sashes or attic hatches. Before applying the new seals, remove the old weatherstripping and clean off any residue with a solvent.
If you’re sealing outdoor leaks with caulk, use latex or silicon caulk. Since our region is so dry, the latex caulk will shrink slightly, but its cost is lower than silicone. It’s also water soluble, which simplifies the installation and cleanup process. When applying caulk with a caulking gun, hold the tip of the caulk at a 45-degree angle toward the gap you’re sealing. If the bead is uneven, use your fingertip to smooth it out.
Expanding foam is good for larger holes and leaks. It’s good for sealing gaps around the dryer vent or holes for plumbing, wires and cables. Use discretion when applying it, however, since it expands as it dries.
It’s equally important to seal air leaks in your ductwork, which can reduce your heating and cooling systems’ efficiency and degrade indoor air quality. To learn more, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We’ve provided superior HVAC services to the Yuma area since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about sealing air leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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