Checking Your Home for Air Leaks

Air leaks can be frustrating in many ways. Primarily, they will reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system and can cause a draft in your O’Fallon, MO, home. Here are some ways that you can check for air leaks.

You Can Find the Leaks Yourself

There is a DIY way to find air leaks in your home. You can inspect visually to see if there are any gaps or cracks in the exterior of your home where different building materials meet. You can use a flashlight if that helps, but you are looking for any areas where air can get through. You can use paper to see if it is moving. That will happen when there is air flow due to a leak.

You Can Hire Someone

While you can try on your own, professionals will have their own tests that will find leaks even quicker. One thing that they will do is called a blower test. This involves a total sealing of your home along with total depressurization. This is then followed by the use of a special machine to blow air to find out where the air is escaping or coming through. This is one step in an energy audit that can save you money on your bills.

Building Pressurization Test

Another method you can try on your own involves closing all of the windows and door and other openings to your home. You will then turn off the furnace and other major utilities. After that, you will want to light an incense stick to get some smoke. Then, pay close attention to the direction in which the smoke is moving. If the air is being sucked into your home or moved out of it, you have pinpointed your leak.

Trust the Professionals

Hoff Heating & AC is an Angie’s List Super Service Award winner who provides heating and cooling installation and maintenance services. We serve households in the Great St. Louis area. Call Hoff Heating & AC to find out how we can help you become more energy efficient in your home!