You want to ensure your home is comfortable without having the high operating costs attached with summer fast approaching. A home that is improperly sealed makes a significant impact on the HVAC system’s efficiency, but for one of the biggest culprits to do so, there are few that realize it. Cool air leaks out and warm air leaks in, and vice versa in the winter with the heating. There are many homes that are not properly sealed and there is a lot of wasted energy. To help you make sure that your home is sealed before the hot months arrive, today we at NY NJ A/C Connection would like to share a few tips.
How to Check for Air Leaks Around Windows, Doors & More
Searching for potential leaks in the structure and get them properly sealed after a thorough inspection is the first step. To help you search for air leaks around the home, below is a useful guide.
1) Make certain the doors and windows are tightly closed while, the cooling and heating are running; though obvious, it is important to ensure.
2) Close to the ceiling fixtures, hatches, utility connections, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, and any other place where you suspect an air leak, hold a lit incense stick or thin toilet paper to test for it. Minimize the natural air current by flipping off the HVAC system and any ceiling or floor fans. You likely have a leak if you see movement with the paper or smoke.
3) Fresh weather stripping and waterproof caulk should be used around any leaks found around the doors and windows. Before installing the fresh weather stripping, the track will need to be cleaned after the deteriorating weather stripping is pulled off first.
4) Call an expert for more efficient sealing and be sure to avoid duct tape for sealing air ducts and if you do it yourself, do so with mastic sealant.
5) Foam gaskets should be used to seal any leaks stemming from the outlets.
6) With light colored blinds and curtains/drapes, you can reflect the sun’s rays. To reduce the
7) When the fire place is not being used, be sure to seal it up and inspect the flue for signs of leaks.
8) A pliable rubber sealant should replace the decayed door sweep and avoid the self-adhesive sweeps and use a more durable one that screws in.
9) Seal with expandable foam spray the gaps found in the home’s structure that are larger than 1/4 inch.
10) Too much indoor air pollution like toxic gases and volatile organic compounds can’t ventilate properly with too much insulation and too little will cause the inefficiency of your HVAC system, be sure to check the insulation. A pro can be of assistance if you are unsure.
Central Air Conditioning Tune Up Maintenance & More in Greater Manhattan, New York
You should notice improvement, depending on the severity of the leaks, to your HVAC system performance and energy usage after the home is adequately sealed. Be certain to have your cooling and heating system tune-up service every year by a certified professional and use technician’s repair services promptly when issues first arise. Call NY NJ A/C Connection and let our specialist help you with your HVAC system services.