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In the chilly winter months, our heating systems tirelessly strive to maintain a cozy atmosphere in our homes. Yet, unnoticed culprits like leaky windows often disrupt this effort. Warm air slips away silently through unseen openings, persisting continuously, every hour of every day. This issue of air leakage, although prevalent, frequently goes unaddressed. This article will explore the impact of drafty windows (air leakage) on home heating and the urgency of addressing this issue promptly.
Do Drafty Windows Influence Your Home’s Heating?
Continue reading to learn how drafty windows affect your home’s heating efficiency. These principles also extend to other areas, such as leaky doors, spaces between your living areas and attic or crawlspace, fireplaces, electrical outlets, and more.
The Issue with Drafty Windows
The movement of heat from warm areas to cooler ones is a fundamental scientific principle observable in everyday life. For example, ice exposed to sunlight inevitably melts. Similarly, a room cooled by air conditioning in summer quickly heats up if a window is left open. During winter, this principle means indoor warmth can easily escape outdoors, leaving your home feeling less cozy. Sealed windows are crucial to prevent heat loss. However, leaky windows make it difficult to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
How Air Leaks Affect Your Energy Expenses
Leaky windows lead to heat loss, gradually making your home feel colder. Your heating system has to operate for extended periods to counteract this drop in temperature. This additional work results in higher energy usage and, consequently, increased energy bills. Delay in addressing this issue will only exacerbate the problem and costs over time.
The extra workload on your heating system due to air leaks accelerates wear and tear, leading to more frequent and costly HVAC repairs. This heightened strain also shortens the lifespan of your heating system, potentially necessitating an earlier-than-anticipated replacement. Air leaks can also compromise your home’s structural integrity through moisture-related problems, and repairing such damage can be a significant expense.
How To Test For Air Leakage
The following section outlines various techniques to help you ascertain if air leakage is an issue with your windows.
- Visual Inspection: Check each window for seal integrity, noting gaps or holes. Also inspect door perimeters, pipes, and appliance extensions, including outlets, attic access, and baseboards.
- Building Pressurization: Turn off all fans, vents, and appliances affecting airflow. On windy days, use an incense stick to identify leaks, observing disturbances in the smoke flow to locate air movement.
- Blower Door Test: Requires a professional HVAC technician and specialized equipment. The test involves expelling air from the house to identify leaks through pressure differences, quantifying the extent of air leakage.
Tips For Sealing Air Leaks
For minor air leaks, homeowners can apply straightforward solutions like caulking around windows to seal small gaps. For wider gaps, a foam sealant is a suitable option. However, dealing with extensive damage may involve more complex measures like insulation installation, exterior wall sealing, and ductwork repairs. These tasks typically require the skills of a trained professional who can efficiently complete the work using specialized equipment and deliver superior results.
Key Locations for Air Sealing
- Doors and Windows: The seals along the edges of doors and windows can deteriorate over time. Sometimes, installers might overlook caulking certain areas of the windows. These oversights can result in undesirable drafts during the winter months. Ensuring these areas are thoroughly sealed is essential.
- Switch Plates and Electrical Outlets: Although receptacles and switch plates might appear flush against the walls, gaps can exist due to uneven wall surfaces. Installing gaskets around these areas can effectively seal these gaps.
- Plumbing and Wiring: In many homes, pipes, wires, and ducts pass through walls and ceilings. Sealing the surrounding areas properly using safe, nonhazardous materials is crucial.
- Roof and Attic: Temperature changes can cause the roof to expand and contract, leading to gaps and holes. These openings can result in water leaks during rain and constant air leaks otherwise. It’s advisable to have professionals inspect the roof and attic insulation annually to address these issues.
- HVAC Air Ducts: The ductwork is crucial in circulating air throughout your home. Leaks in these ducts can lead to significant temperature disparities between different rooms. Professional intervention is recommended to locate and permanently seal these leaks.
Advantages of Air Sealing
In the following section, we delve into the various benefits that come with air sealing your home.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Air sealing minimizes energy waste by preventing air leaks, stabilizing indoor temperature, and reducing the frequency of HVAC system operation while maintaining optimal conditions.
- Lower Energy Expenses: Reduced HVAC system load leads to decreased energy consumption, resulting in lower monthly utility bills and potential significant annual savings.
- Eco-Friendly Impact: By cutting down energy usage, air sealing helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the mitigation of global warming.
- Enhanced Home Comfort: Stabilizes temperature and humidity levels, improving overall indoor air quality and creating a more comfortable living environment.
Conclusion
Air leakage, often an unseen issue, plagues many homes. Tackling this problem allows homeowners to overcome persistent challenges effectively. Engaging a seasoned professional is the wisest strategy for a thorough resolution. They offer comprehensive assessments and durable solutions, providing swift, dependable, and cost-effective services.
Tevis Energy’s sister company, Modern Comfort, performs HVAC installations, replacements, tune-ups, and more. Our technicians can provide you with expert HVAC services to ensure that your system provides you with the comfort and efficiency you deserve. Call now to schedule an appointment.
Contact Tevis Energy for Expert HVAC Services
Tevis Energy, a leading provider of heating and cooling services in central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, prides itself on employing top-notch, professionally certified technicians. Our experts are adept at delivering exceptional HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each technician at Tevis Energy possesses the necessary expertise and experience to service your HVAC system effectively.
We offer the region’s most competitive pricing for heating and cooling services. Our maintenance offerings are designed to enhance comfort, boost energy efficiency, and lower heating and cooling expenses. Should you require HVAC repair or a new system, we are prepared to recommend the optimal solution that is in line with your needs and budget. Tevis Energy stands behind its work with a satisfaction guarantee. For scheduling a service appointment or to receive a free, in-home estimate, contact Tevis Energy today.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (410) 876-6800 to find out more! Click the link to view our service area.
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