When homeowners look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient, many start by addressing the air leak problems they find around the house.
After all, a well-sealed and insulated home keeps everyone comfortable all year and significantly reduces the energy costs associated with heating and cooling a home — as much as 10 percent by Energy Star estimates.
Some air leaks are easy to detect and fix. The small gaps around windows and doors, for example, can be eliminated using a simple application of caulk or expanding foam. It’s a project that even the most inexperienced homeowner can handle. But there are situations that call for more than just a do-it-yourself solution. Serious air leak problems require careful investigation and repair by an experienced professional.
If you encounter any of the following issues in your home, have them addressed quickly — before they become even larger problems.
- Wet insulation: Wet or damp attic insulation indicates that your roof is actively leaking. Contact a roofing company to identify the source of the leakage and have it repaired immediately.
- Ice dams: If you experience recurring ice dams in the winter, you probably have a serious air leak problem along your attic-roof line. Without proper attention, you could end up with water damage to your attic and the floors below.
- Water damage: Moldy or rotten wood in the attic points to a long-standing moisture problem. If you see water damage on attic rafters or floor joists, call in a professional to find and eliminate the source of the moisture.
- Ventilation issues: An attic that lacks sufficient ventilation, or has bathroom or kitchen fans venting directly into the space, won’t be able to rid itself of excessive moisture. Address the issue to avoid the risk of moisture damage and mold.
At Home Comfort Experts, our HVAC technicians have extensive experience in both diagnosing and repairing air leak problems. Let us help you identify the solutions that are right for your home and your budget. Contact the Home Comfort Experts today and get on the road to lower energy costs and higher energy efficiency.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.