A cool air leak occurs when outdoor air enters into the home and climate-controlled air leaves the home through openings inside the home. This can cause complications such as poor air quality, increased energy costs and moisture and water damage inside your home.
The main problem with cool air leaks is that they are often hard to detect. They can grow gradually worse over time, making them harder to notice until the problem becomes more severe. However, you can notice the early signs of a cool air leak and seek a prompt solution with early detection and contacting a professional caulking team when issues arise.
Rising Energy Costs
If an increase in energy costs that cannot be explained by the weather occurs, then it could be the result of a cool air leak. Cool air leaks cause the conditioned air to leave the home and the air outside the home to come in, which leads to a more difficult time keeping the ideal temperature in the home. As a result, the heating and air unit often runs more throughout the day, leading to an increase in energy costs each month.
As mentioned, cool air leaks often occur slowly. It may start with a minor increase and eventually worsen into a monthly utility cost that is hundreds more than normal. In this instance, hiring a caulking professional to come in and seal all openings of the home’s foundation often results in a return on the investment long-term.
There is also a comfort factor involved with air leaks. Often, the air quality and overall temperature in the building is affected when there is a cool air leak. Therefore, if the building begins to lack in comfort, especially if it is accompanied by an increase in energy cost, then it is time to consult a caulking professional.
Inspect Windows & Doors
Another issue with finding cool air leaks is they can come from many different places that are hard to identify. However, home and business owners can identify a cool air leak by first looking at the windows and doors.
Windows and doors are made to open, so they naturally have gaps that must be properly caulked and sealed. Often, windows and doors that have a cool air leak are easy to visually see, whereas others may not be so obvious. Other potential parts of buildings that could lead to a cool air leak include:
- Attic doors
- Roof leaks
- Fans and heaters
- Dryer vents
- Electrical outlets
If there are minor openings that are easy to identify, then you may be able to caulk it yourself. However, it is best to call a caulking professional for the most reliable and long-term results.
Examine Outdoor Fixtures
Outdoor fixtures often attach to the walls of a home or business. If they are not properly sealed and caulked, then cool air can leave the home through small openings, causing a range of complications. Although it may not seem like a big deal, outdoor fixtures that allow for a cool air leak can have enough of an impact to raise the energy cost hundreds of dollars per year, lower the air quality and lead to moisture damage, especially if more than one outdoor fixture is not properly sealed.
When inspecting your outdoor fixtures, look for any damage to the fixture or to the wall that supports it. If there are any concerns, then you may need to replace the fixture or repair the wall. If there is no damage but there are gaps that still allow air from inside the home to exit, then you may need to have them professionally sealed.
Using Air Pressure To Test for Leaks
If you are certain there is an air leak but are unable to find the exact source for the leak, then you can try a DIY air pressure test. First, you will need to turn off all building appliances and shut all of the windows and doors. You should then turn on all exhaust fans inside of the building. This may include your bathroom fans, stove vents, window fans and even clothes dryers.
Lastly, walk around all potential sources of the cool air leak (windows, doors, fixtures, attic, etc.) with a stick of incense until you find the area where the incense is getting sucked out of your home. If this test is unable to identify the issue, then you may need to hire a professional.
Call Waterproof Caulking to Plug Cool Air Leaks
Get in touch with us here at Waterproof Caulking and Restoration to find out how we can fix cool air leaks in your home or business. Our team works diligently and in an effective manner to find even the smallest openings and ensure they are plugged and fixed for years to come.