How Do I Check My Home for Air Leaks?

Home air leaks are a major cause of reduced home energy efficiency, higher utility bills, and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system. In the San Antonio area, air leaks can be especially devastating because all of that hot, dry daytime air can seep into your home. This means more expensive bills and less comfortable for you and your family. Despite the many problems they cause, air leaks often go undetected for decades. Your home may have air leaks that you don’t even know about. Luckily, is here to share a few simple ways you can find air leaks in your home. 1. Candle Method Did you know that some leaks can be detected with just a candle? With this test, you’re looking for telltale signs of leaks, such as the flame flickering or blowing out or smoke getting blown into the room. Before you begin, be sure to turn off your home’s heating and cooling system to ensure accurate results. To do the test, simply light a candle and (carefully) pass it near the seams of windows and external doors. 2. Depressurization Method You can use this test to find leaks smaller than what a candle could detect....

View Article

The Basics of Identifying Air Leaks in Your Home

The best way to beef up your home’s energy efficiency is to conduct a thorough check for air leaks. While it’s virtually impossible to cut off all sources of airflow between the outdoors and your home, you should try to seal off as many air leaks as possible. Here are three ways to identify air leaks in your home. 1. Look to Exterior Doors Without Weatherstrips or Tight Fits Your exterior doors will always allow air to come in from the outdoors. However, one good way to reduce the amount of air leakage around doors is to install weatherstrips and get better-fitting doors. 2. Hold a Lighter to Windows Windows are one of the most common sources of air leaks in homes around the San Antonio, Texas, area. A surefire way to identify air leaks in your home’s windows is to hold a lighter, match, or another flame to the seals around the edges of your windows. To get accurate readings, make sure all fans are off, as well as your home’s HVAC system. Next, simply hold the flame to the places where the window frames meet the walls. Carry the flame all the way around the frame for each...

View Article