WEST FLORIDA Blog

Does Air Sealing Affect My Energy Bill? Air Sealing Your West Florida

Energy bill got you down? You’re not alone. With the cost of just about everything rising, we’re all wondering how we can reduce our cost of living without lowering our quality of life. One of any home’s biggest expenses is our energy bill, and it also has one of the biggest effects on our quality of life. Living in a home that’s too cold or too hot is miserable, but it can feel like the only option if your bills are high. 

Fortunately, you have got other options. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “you’re letting all the good air out,” you may think of all the times you’ve quickly closed the door to prevent just that. But what you may not have considered is if your home is the one letting out the “good” air. 

If your energy bills are unusually high (you can check your bill against the average here), there’s a good chance that your home needs air sealing. 

What is air sealing?

Air sealing is the process of fixing air leaks around your home so that the heated or cooled air stays inside and the outside air stays outside. These air leaks may be obvious, such as being able to see the sky through a gap in the top of your door, or only noticeable due to a difference in the air temperature nearby. Air sealing is usually done by resealing around windows and doors, ventilation fans, and even light fixtures in the ceiling. 

All of these small gaps allow the air to freely exchange, meaning you’re losing whatever “good air” your heating and cooling system created. The more air you lose, the harder your HVAC system has to work, and the more energy it has to use. 

Why should I make sure my home is air sealed? 

In the cold winter months, it’s hard to imagine ever wanting your home to feel cooler than it already does, but come April (or even February here in Florida!), you’ll be reaching for the AC button. This reason alone is why a well-insulated home is a comfortable home; gaps in door frames and in between floorboards let the cold air in during winter, and warm air in during the summer!

Air sealing also helps by: 

• Reducing noise from outside 
• Reducing your carbon footprint 
• Less dust, pollen, and impure air (which is particularly important for those with asthma, compromised immune systems, and persistent allergies) 
• Fewer pests
• Better humidity control 

Does air sealing make a difference to your energy bill? 

The EPA estimates that homeowners can save 15% on average on heating and cooling costs by having their homes properly air sealed and insulated. This report was based on a “typical U.S. home,” defined as 1,700 square feet of conditioned floor area and four bedrooms. If you are currently paying $300 a month, you could see it reduced to $250, equating to a saving of $600 a year. 

If your home’s insulation is particularly old, you could save a significant amount. If you’re not sure if your insulation is doing its job, consider when it was last assessed or updated. Generally, insulation that’s more than 15 years old needs retrofitting (learn more about that here). 

Of course, air sealing and good insulation can also help your wallet by ensuring your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard (and so won’t need as much maintenance), and ensuring your home doesn’t get too humid, which can result in mold and rot. 

Reduce Your West Florida Energy Bill with Air Sealing

If you live in the West Florida area and would like to improve your home’s energy efficiency, we’re here to help. Our West Florida experts can come to assess your home and seal all the little cracks you may not notice are costing you money. If necessary, they can also replace your home’s insulation, giving you a home that’s as energy efficient as a new home. To book your free insulation evaluation, click here.