Even the smallest of air leaks around windows and doors can cause a significant increase in heating and cooling expenses. With the winter months approaching fast, it only makes sense that such leaks need to be found and repaired. For most people, fixing the leaks will involve replacing old weather stripping. The first step in effectively fixing air leaks is figuring out where they are located in your house. Fortunately, there are several ways to find these leaks and repair them.
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Flashlight Test
One such way to check for air leaks is by conducting a light leak test. To do this, a person will need a flashlight as well as a friend to help carry out the test. At the beginning of the test, all lights need to be turned off in a room. The person with the flashlight needs to go outside while the other person stays in the room where the window and doors leaks are going to be tested. The person outside will then aim the flashlight around the edges of the windows and doors, and the person inside will look for any light that comes through. Spots where light is noticed are where air leaks are present.
Pressure Test
A pressure test also involves having two people take part in it. All indoor fans and heating and cooling units need to be turned off when performing this test. The person inside will light a candle and moves it around the edges of the windows and doors. The person on the outside will have a fan that blows air around the same windows and doors. If the flame goes out or changes direction on the candle, there is likely a costly air leak.
Touch Test
By simply taking one’s hand and running it along the edges of windows and doors, it becomes quite easy to identify air leaks. When doing this, it is important to keep in mind that small air leaks will not be that noticeable. The best time to conduct this type of test is when the temperature inside the home is far different than the outside temperature. It also helps for a person to have his or hand wet when doing this test.
Paper Test
Another great way to check for air leaks is to stick a piece of paper in the edges of windows and doors. If the paper can easily be pulled out, there is more than likely air coming through the gaps, meaning air leaks are prevalent.
When it comes to checking for air leaks, it is important to note where most of leaks occur throughout your house, which include:
- Windows
- Doors
- Ducts
- Electrical outlets
- Walls and floors
- Fans and vents
By checking for air leaks and having them fixed, a homeowner can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling expenses. In addition, fixing the leaks also helps a homeowner to avoid a wide variety of other problems, especially those relating to moisture issues, poor air quality, and pest control.
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Author Bio Box:
Chris Tuminello is an employee of NationwideWindows for over a year now. He blogs about home improvement, different window types, and DIY advice.
Shared by Don Zilleri
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Don Zilleri is an author and researcher. He is specialized in business marketing, development and is a small business owner. He learns as he writes by researching and interviewing experts and professionals in many categories and topics. Join him in Facebook and become part of his pro network in LinkedIn All Don Zilleri's article's authored exclusively for BidsByPros.com All rights reserved. If sharing, credit Bids By Pros in article source.
