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Air Leaks Might Be Affecting Your Carbon Footprint: Consider These 12 Tips

Oscar Collins
Oscar Collins

Oscar Collins is the dedicated editor-in-chief at Modded, where he works tirelessly to provide invaluable insights into a diverse range of subjects related to green living, technology, and the environment.

Introduction

Oscar Collins has a deep passion for advocating eco-consciousness and a knack for exploring emerging trends in sustainability and tech, he has become a prominent voice in this field.

Highlights

Oscar Collins has contributed substantially to Modded, where he has exhibited a profound commitment to disseminating knowledge on green living and sustainability trends. His work is marked by its ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, engaging content, making it an essential resource for readers interested in eco-conscious living. Through his written works, he has covered a broad spectrum of topics, from the intricacies of renewable energy and circular economy to the latest technological innovations that are reshaping our environmental landscape.

Experience

Over the years, Oscar has gained extensive experience in the editorial landscape, honing his skills as a writer and communicator. His tenure at Modded, where he currently holds the prestigious position of editor-in-chief, has allowed him to steer the publication toward becoming an authoritative source of reliable, factual, and, above all, useful information on all things related to cars, sustainability, and green living.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Oscar's personal commitment to sustainable living serves as a living testament to the principles he advocates. His residence in the heart of New York City showcases the possibilities of integrating eco-conscious practices into urban life. He and his partner have transformed their living space into a model of sustainable living, adopting practices such as urban gardening, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. This hands-on experience has enriched Oscar's understanding of the challenges and rewards of green living in an urban environment.

When outdoor temperatures become unbearable, the last thing you want is air leaks. Air escaping means your HVAC runs more than it should, thus increasing your energy bills. Then, your carbon footprint skyrockets. What can you do about it?

Here’s your guide to identifying and stopping leaks.

Where to Find Air Leaks in Your Home

First, it’s essential to identify the source. Where are the most common locations for air leaks? Here are six places to look in and around your home.

1. Doors and Windows

The first spots you should check are the doors and windows. Air more easily escapes their frames, causing significant temperature changes.

How much of an effect do they have? The Department of Energy says 30% of heating energy in a home escapes through the windows. Therefore, it should be high on the list.

Windows are more prone to air leaks because glass doesn’t insulate as well as brick or hardwood. If you touch them, you understand how much air sneaks in and out.

Doors are susceptible to leaks because of tiny gaps around the frame. As the weatherstripping wears, cold air sinks can form through these crevices.

door insulation

2. Baseboards

Baseboards can be the culprit of leaks even if you have carpet. Gaps with significant leakage can form here.

Baseboard air leaks can happen over time as the floor wears. However, they could also originate from improper installation. For example, a previous contractor or homeowner may have left significant gaps or compromised the seal.

Air leaks are more noticeable if you have baseboards without carpet, considering there is less insulation. However, air can still escape with carpeting or rugs.

Check the sections of the carpet near the wall for discoloration. If there are dark colors, air has escaped from underneath the baseboards.

3. Exterior Water Faucets

Outdoor faucets are crucial, especially in winter. Covering them is a must to prevent your pipes from freezing. If not, you risk extensive damage to your home.

How do they affect the air escaping from your home? Outdoor faucets can leak air around the handle or connection point. The culprit may be a worn O-ring.

Newer homes may have frost-free faucets to prevent the brutal winter freezes. However, these devices may be just as responsible for your leaks.

Frost-free faucets let the water return to the main line even when unused. However, this design allows air to enter the faucet if it is not closed completely.

4. Attic

Unless you’re frequently in the attic, you might overlook how much air escapes. This uppermost section of your home can be the source of leaks, especially during summer.

When summer arrives, your attic becomes even warmer due to the rise of hot air and temperatures outside. Air can easily transfer to and from this space if a home has poor insulation.

Like other sections of the home, the attic is vulnerable to poor construction and wear. Your uppermost room also has openings from the chimney, vents and hatches.

Recessed lighting fixtures are an overlooked source of air leaks. These lights are popular but could let air escape through their perforations.

attic insulation

5. Basement

Your basement could also leak air. Some people use the basement for prepping, thus making protection more essential.

Foundation cracks are among the most common causes of leaks. Your basement becomes vulnerable to cracks and new pathways for the air if the soil shifts.

Shifting may originate from the original construction. If the foundation isn’t set correctly, your home could quickly be vulnerable to leaks.

Other leak possibilities in the basement are rim joists and pipes. Joists often include gaps connecting the foundation wall and the framing. Then, gaps around the pipes could cause air leaks.

6. Electrical Outlets

Checking all corners of the home is vital when searching for escaping air. Sometimes, you’ll find leaks in unexpected locations.

One example is your home’s electrical outlets. After all, they are holes in the wall! With each outlet, your home’s insulation is interrupted.

If an electrical outlet causes an air leak, it might be because of the sealing. Each junction box should have waterproof gel or caulk to prevent air from escaping.

Another option is to get a weatherproof box. This addition will make your home less susceptible to leaks in the short and long term.

air leaks and your carbon footprint - electric outlets

How to Prevent Air Leaks

Once identifying the source of an air leak, it’s best to address the problem immediately. Inaction could continue to increase your carbon footprint. Here are six ways to fix and prevent these issues in your home.

1. Caulk and Weatherstripping

Caulk and weatherstripping should be your go-to options. These materials make your home more comfortable without taxing your HVAC. Where should you start?

Head to the garage and replace the worn weatherstripping on the door. With this new sealing, you can block the airflow from the outside or inside the garage and reduce leaks.

Use caulk when it’s time to seal your windows, whether in the garage or elsewhere. Caulk is terrific for filling gaps between building components and creating bonds. As a bonus, it prevents bugs from entering your home.

Then, find the other doors in your home that need new weatherstripping. Homeowners can use different types, such as foam tape, vinyl strips or V-seals.

2. Blower Door Test

If you aren’t sure how much air leaks, consider getting a blower door test. Contact your utility provider for an examination, as some will conduct it for free.

A blower door test involves setting up a temporary frame in one of your doorways. Then, the professional mounts a fan to see how much air enters and exits the home.

During the test, your hired professional may use an infrared camera to detect the leaks. This allows them to more quickly identify what work needs to be done.

Blower door tests are excellent preventive measures to deter future air leaks. If you can’t access them, there are other techniques to protect your home.

In this video from This Old House, energy auditor Beth Armstrong reveals the result of a blower door that determines the home’s airtightness.

3. Building Pressurization Test

Another option is to conduct a building pressurization test. This home examination has become more prominent among designers in quantifying structural performance. How does it work?

A building pressurization test starts by turning off your water heater and other combustion appliances. Then, you’ll light an incense stick and carry it toward locations you suspect are leaking.

If a spot pulls the smoke toward it, you may have found the source. This test may work well in a pinch to find the root cause of air leaks.

You should turn off the dryer, stove and bathroom exhaust fans before performing this test. Then, close all the windows and doors in your home.

4. Energy-Efficient Windows

Your home’s windows significantly affect your thermal gain and loss. While caulking can fix tiny gaps, you may experience excess leakage through thin glass.

Consider energy-efficient windows as a long-term solution for your home. These modern placements have more panes, less emissivity and a more positive environmental impact.

Among the most impressive aspects of these windows is the gas fill. The argon, krypton and other gases increase thermal efficiency year-round.

One place to start is an Energy Star-rated window. Select the best one for your climate zone, as your needs may vary from one state to another. If you live in a cold climate, you could upgrade to a triple or quadruple-pane window.

energy efficient windows for air leaks and your carbon footprint

5. Chimney Damper

People in cold-weather areas depend on their fireplaces. Is there anything better than a warm, crackling fire? Unfortunately, it could lead to air escaping your home.

One solution is to install a chimney damper. Mount the damper to seal the air better when the fireplace is not in use.

Most dampers are manual, so you can open and close them when lighting the fireplace. Regularly inspect it — especially in the winter — to ensure your home’s airtightness.

Start with visual examinations, looking for cracks, corrosion and damaged hinges. Cleaning debris like soot or bird nests from the damper plate is another straightforward maintenance task.

6. Foam Gaskets

Another formidable option besides caulking and weatherstripping is foam gaskets. These compressible materials stop air leaks through their flexibility and durability. Foam gaskets are beneficial because you can use them nearly anywhere in the house. For instance, they work around windows and doors to stop air from infiltrating the sill plate.

Then, you can place them behind the switch and plates for your electrical outlets. Besides air leaks, foam gaskets also reduce sound transmission for additional comfort.

These additions can be used in conjunction with other leak-stopping measures. For instance, you can seal the chimney flue with foam gaskets after closing the damper.

Conclusion

When extreme weather arrives, you rely on your home for protection. However, it can work against you and become vulnerable through air leaks.

The cold temperatures of winter make leaks especially unpleasant. That said, escaped air also significantly affects your home in any season. Ultimately, nobody wants their HVAC to work overtime and increase emissions.

Stopping indoor air from leaking is necessary for indoor comfort. Therefore, you must inspect the interior and exterior of your home to find the vulnerabilities.

Once you know the origins of your leaks, you can take action. Consider a blower door test, foam gaskets or other practical ideas. With these solutions, you can reduce your carbon footprint and stop the leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the most air leaks in a house?

Experts say the most significant air leaks occur in the attic and basement. When air escapes these rooms, your home becomes much more uncomfortable.

What tools can I use to see air leaks in my house?

Thermal and ultrasonic leak detectors are solid choices for identification. The former analyzes air temperature differences, whereas the latter examines sound waves.

What signs indicate a home is leaking air?

Drafts around doors and windows are a telling sign of a leak. If one room is colder than another, check for gaps. You should also examine your energy bills for higher-than-normal costs.

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