THE MIDLANDS Blog

Air Sealing 101: Improve Home Efficiency and Comfort

Improving your home’s energy efficiency and comfort starts with air sealing. Unsealed cracks, gaps, and openings can let drafts in, decrease indoor comfort, and drive up energy costs. Air sealing helps prevent these problems by closing off areas where air leaks occur, leading to a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of air sealing, common places where air leaks happen, and steps you can take to improve your home’s energy performance.

What is Air Sealing?

Air sealing involves identifying and closing gaps, cracks, and other openings in a home’s structure to stop the exchange of indoor and outdoor air. These leaks are often found around windows, doors, attics, and places where plumbing or electrical wiring enters. When these areas aren’t properly sealed, it can lead to increased energy consumption, uneven indoor temperatures, and higher heating and cooling bills.

By sealing air leaks, homeowners can improve energy efficiency, eliminate drafts, and create a more comfortable living space. When combined with quality insulation, air sealing becomes an essential strategy for enhancing a home's overall performance.

Benefits of Air Sealing

Air sealing offers numerous advantages, including:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Gaps and cracks allow heated or cooled air to escape, causing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Sealing these leaks reduces energy loss and lowers heating and cooling expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing can save homeowners up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.

2. Enhanced Indoor Comfort

Drafts and uneven temperatures are common in homes with significant air leaks. By sealing these leaks, you can maintain a more stable indoor temperature, making your home more comfortable year-round.

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

Air leaks can allow outdoor contaminants like dust, pollen, and exhaust fumes to enter your home. Sealing these gaps helps keep pollutants out, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier environment for your family.

4. Reduced Moisture Issues

Air leaks can let in moisture, which can lead to problems like mold growth, wood rot, and other moisture-related damage. Proper air sealing minimizes moisture entry, protecting your home from these potential issues.

5. Increased Home Value

Investing in air sealing and other energy-efficiency improvements can boost your home’s market value. Energy-efficient homes are often more attractive to potential buyers, making air sealing a smart investment for the future.

Common Areas Where Air Leaks Occur

To effectively air seal your home, it’s important to identify the areas where leaks are most likely to happen. Here are some common places where air leaks occur:

1. Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are among the top sources of air leaks. Gaps around frames, sashes, and thresholds can let drafts in and cause energy loss. Weatherstripping and caulking around these areas can significantly reduce air leaks.

2. Attics and Roofs

Attics are prone to air leaks because they often have openings for ventilation, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Sealing gaps around recessed lighting, attic hatches, and other penetrations can improve your home's efficiency.

3. Basements and Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces may have gaps around foundation walls, floors, and utility penetrations. Properly sealing these areas prevents air from entering or escaping through the foundation.

4. Electrical Outlets and Switches

Air can leak through electrical outlets and switches, especially on exterior walls. Installing foam gaskets behind the covers can help reduce drafts.

5. Fireplaces and Chimneys

Fireplaces and chimneys are designed for airflow, which can result in air leaks if not properly sealed. Using a fireplace insert or chimney balloon can help prevent air from escaping when the fireplace is not in use.

How to Air Seal Your Home

Air sealing can be a DIY project, but for the best results, it's often recommended to consult a professional insulation contractor who can identify and seal air leaks efficiently. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Before starting any air sealing project, it’s beneficial to conduct a home energy audit. This can help identify the areas where air leaks occur. You can perform a basic DIY audit or hire a professional to conduct a blower door test for a more thorough analysis.

2. Seal Large Gaps and Cracks

Begin by sealing large gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations. Use caulking for smaller gaps and expanding foam for larger cracks. Weatherstripping can also be applied around doors and windows to add extra protection.

3. Seal Attic and Basement Leaks

Air sealing the attic and basement is crucial. Use foam board insulation, spray foam, or caulk to seal gaps around vents, pipes, and other openings. Don’t forget to seal the attic hatch or pull down stairs.

4. Install Door Sweeps and Thresholds

To stop air from leaking through exterior doors, install door sweeps on the bottom edge and thresholds at the base of the door to prevent drafts.

5. Inspect and Seal Ductwork

Leaky ductwork can decrease your HVAC system's efficiency. Inspect the ducts for visible gaps and use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal any leaks.

The Importance of Air Sealing and Insulation Together

Air sealing is key for boosting energy efficiency, but it’s most effective when combined with proper insulation. Insulation helps slow heat transfer, while air sealing prevents air movement through gaps and cracks. Together, they create a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.

If you’re not sure where to start or how much air sealing and insulation your home needs, a professional evaluation can help. Contact us for a free estimate today at (803) 728-6082 or visit Koala Insulation of the Midlands to schedule a consultation. Our experts can assess your home’s air sealing needs and recommend the best solutions to improve your energy efficiency.

Why Hire a Professional for Air Sealing?

Although some air sealing tasks can be done on your own, hiring a professional ensures that the job is done thoroughly and correctly. A professional insulation contractor will:

• Perform a comprehensive inspection to identify all air leaks in your home, even in hard-to-reach areas.
• Use advanced tools and techniques, such as blower door testing and thermal imaging, to detect and seal air leaks effectively.
• Recommend the best materials for long-lasting results.

Professional air sealing can maximize your energy savings and improve your home's comfort.

Conclusion

Air sealing is a straightforward yet highly effective way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. By addressing air leaks, you can lower energy costs, maintain stable indoor temperatures, and create a healthier living space. Don’t underestimate the value of this crucial step in home maintenance.

For professional air sealing and insulation services, contact us for a free estimate today at (803) 728-6082 or visit Koala Insulation of the Midlands. Let our team help you upgrade your home’s efficiency and comfort, keeping it cozy in winter and cool in summer.

Don’t wait—start improving your home’s performance today with the experts at Koala Insulation!