Most Austin homeowners would probably guess air leakage occurs around windows and doors, and you would be right. But where else? As residential and commercial insulation professionals, we know all of those hidden little spots that may be leaking air and costing you not only in terms of comfort, but how much you spend on energy bills each month. We’re revealing information below that you may not be aware of!
Have you ever noticed those spots where it seems spider webs appear almost overnight? Pay attention; bugs and spiders love an area where air flows, which is usually in corners such as where the chimney is, where concrete and brick meet, or other materials form a corner.
Is the attic REALLY as well insulated as you think? Warm air rises, a fact we’re all aware of. That said, cold air replaces hot air, so be sure your attic is well insulated so that hot air isn’t escaping while the cold air from the basement or lower levels rise to replace it.
How about the dryer vent? You would be surprised at the amount of cold or hot air that can come in around the clothes dryer vent. Most homeowners never consider these smaller infiltrations, but every little one does make a difference.
Have you ever thought about the electrical outlets in your home? Anything that requires a hole in the wall can allow conditioned air to escape, while hot or cold air outside makes its way in. Be sure areas around outlets, switches, pipes and plumbing fixtures are well insulated.
And what about those beautiful recessed lighting fixtures that cast a relaxing glow on your indoor spaces? Another way your comfort may be compromised. While recessed lighting is aesthetically pleasing, it’s not necessarily energy efficient. Any time the smallest gap exists between a structure and fixture, air can make its way in or out.
Weather stripping and caulk absolutely help seal out air leaks, but only if they are installed properly and aren’t worn out. Often used around windows and doors, caulk and weather stripping help tremendously when it comes to sealing out air leaks – however, be sure to apply properly and replace when either becomes cracked or worn. These remedies aren’t permanent, so check to see how they’re holding up frequently.
At HabiShield our Austin spray foam insulation professionals know that sometimes no matter how hard you try, it just isn’t possible to detect every air leak that may exist in your home. Our team is ready to inspect your home or business and diagnose all possible air leaks! Give us a call today.