Air sealing is the process of identifying and sealing gaps, cracks, and openings in a building’s envelope to prevent the unwanted flow of air in and out of the structure. This is typically done to improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall comfort in a home or building. Here are some key aspects of air sealing and its benefits for your home:

1. Energy Efficiency:

•  Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs: By sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s walls, ceilings, floors, and around windows and doors, you can minimize the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This helps to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating or cooling, and ultimately lowering your energy bills.
•  Increased HVAC System Efficiency: A well-sealed home allows your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to work more efficiently as it doesn’t have to compensate for air leaks.

2. Improved Indoor Air Quality:

•  Reduced Infiltration of Outdoor Pollutants: Air sealing also helps to keep outdoor pollutants, allergens, and pests from entering your home, leading to better indoor air quality.
• Enhanced Control over Ventilation: With proper air sealing, you can control the sources of indoor air and better manage ventilation, ensuring that you bring in fresh outdoor air through controlled means like mechanical ventilation systems or openable windows.

3. Enhanced Comfort:

• Fewer Drafts and Temperature Variations: Air sealing minimizes drafts, making your home more comfortable by maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the house.
• Quieter Indoor Environment: Sealing gaps and cracks can also reduce the amount of noise from the outdoors that enters your home.

4. Extended Lifespan of Building Materials:

• Air sealing can help protect your home’s structure by preventing moisture and outdoor elements from infiltrating, which can lead to structural damage over time.

5. Environmental Benefits:

• Lower Energy Consumption: Reduced energy use for heating and cooling translates to a smaller carbon footprint and contributes to environmental conservation efforts.

To effectively air seal your home, it’s essential to identify and address common problem areas such as attic and basement penetrations, gaps around windows and doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing penetrations. This can be done using various materials like caulking, weatherstripping, spray foam insulation, and other sealants.

Many homeowners choose to hire professionals or conduct energy audits to identify and address air leakage issues comprehensively. Overall, air sealing can be a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality while also benefiting the environment.

Koala Insulation of Baltimore Experts are Ready to Help

Insulation experts can then make custom recommendations about the types of insulation that are appropriate for your home’s unique needs. Our employees at Koala Insulation of Baltimore train in-house on how to properly handle, install and inspect various types of insulation. Contact Koala Insulation of Baltimore to learn more about how our free evaluations can impact your comfort, safety, and savings.