How to Identify Air Leaks Around Your House

If you notice that your electric bills are uncharacteristically high, then the first thing you should check for is air leaks around your house. Checking for drafts underneath your doors and around your windows is a good way to find obvious leaks that may be contributing to skyrocketing utility bills. Luckily, this issue can easily be fixed by re-caulking, applying weatherstripping or hanging insulated curtains. However, if you find that even after all these measures you’re still consuming more energy than you should, here are a few more things you can do.

Conduct a visual inspection. First, you should start on the outside of your house. Be sure to inspect all areas of your home’s exterior where corners meet. You should also check your outdoor faucets, as well as the areas where the foundation and the bottom of your siding come together.

Once you’re done with the exterior, move on to the inside of your home. Be sure to check around your electrical outlets, electrical and gas service entrances, attic hatches, vents, fans and baseboards. Check to see if the caulking and weatherstripping are all in good shape; if they’re not, reapply as needed.

Consider hiring a professional. There are companies you can hire that can perform an energy audit. An expert can perform a blower door test that depressurizes the house and reveals the location of leaks. A professional will also conduct a complete energy assessment that can identify areas that are in need of more insulation. It might seem like overkill or even a waste of money, but not addressing leakages in your home will actually end up costing you more in the long run.

If there are a lot of drafts and leaks around your house, Entergis Testing and Sealing can provide you with professional testing services to pinpoint leaks and seal them to prevent energy loss. Give us a call at (225) 577-6799 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment today.