Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a good way to decrease your energy consumption, save money on utility bills, and make your St. Simons Island, Georgia, home more comfortable. To protect your home from air leaks, seal around doors and windows, check your recessed lighting, and inspect your pipes.
Seal Leaks Around Doors and Windows
A home’s most significant air leaks tend to occur around doors and windows. To prevent this, caulk around windows and apply weather stripping around doors. Also, check for gaps and cracks in the molding around your windows and doors. If you find any, remove the molding and fill gaps with spray foam insulation designed for windows and doors. This is a time-consuming project, but worth the investment if you have significant air leakage.
While it’s a rather substantial expense, replacing older windows and doors with new, energy-efficient models can make your home more comfortable, and you’ll recoup some of the initial cost through lower energy bills.
Check Your Recessed Lights
Most recessed lights have vents that open in to the attic, making them a prime source of air leaks in many homes. If your recessed lights have an ICAT (insulation contact and airtight) label, they’re sealed and you don’t need to worry about them. If they don’t have this label, you might assume they leak and will want to install an airtight baffle. A baffle is an inexpensive device that prevents air leaks, is easy to install, and will help make your home more energy-efficient.
Inspect Pipes
Examine water and waste pipes. These are prime sources of air leaks that often go undetected. Seal any gaps and cracks that you find with spray foam insulation.
If you need help sealing air leaks around your home or want to discuss other ways to reduce your energy usage and save on utility bills this winter, give The A/C Guys a call at 912-268-1514. We look forward to helping you improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
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