Reasons to Have Your Home Tested for Air Leaks

Maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home is essential for both your well-being and your wallet. However, many homeowners experience issues that indicate potential air leaks or inefficiencies within their home’s structure. If you’re facing any of the following problems, it may be time to consider having your home tested for air leaks with a blower door test from Energy Duct.

8 Reasons To Have Your Home Tested

1. Your Home Seems Too Hot or Too Cold

One of the most common signs of air leaks is uneven temperatures throughout your home. If certain rooms are consistently warmer or cooler than others, it could be due to air escaping through gaps and cracks in your building envelope. Sealing these leaks can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, enhancing your overall comfort.

2. Your Home Stays Humid or Dry

Indoor humidity levels can also be affected by air leaks. If your home feels excessively humid in the summer or overly dry in the winter, it might be due to unwanted airflow through leaks. Proper sealing of these leaks can help regulate humidity levels, creating a more comfortable living environment.

3. Your Power Bill Seems Extremely High

Unexplained spikes in your energy bills are often a sign that your HVAC system is working harder than necessary due to air leaks. When conditioned air escapes, your system has to compensate by running longer and more frequently, leading to higher energy consumption. Identifying and sealing leaks can significantly reduce your energy costs.

4. Poor Air Quality

Air leaks can allow outdoor pollutants, dust, and allergens to enter your home, compromising indoor air quality. If you notice an increase in allergies, respiratory issues, or general discomfort, it may be due to poor air quality caused by leaks. Sealing these gaps can improve the air you breathe, contributing to better health.

5. Your Home Was Built Before 2008

Homes built before 2008 may not meet the current energy efficiency standards and are more likely to have air leaks. Building codes have evolved to prioritize energy efficiency, so older homes often benefit from air leak testing and subsequent improvements.

6. You’ve Had Extensive Remodeling

Renovations can inadvertently create new air leaks or exacerbate existing ones. If you’ve recently remodeled your home, it’s a good idea to test for air leaks to ensure that the changes haven’t compromised your home’s airtightness.

7. No Residential Energy Code Compliance Sheet in the Breaker Panel

A missing Residential Energy Code Compliance Sheet in your breaker panel indicates that your home’s energy efficiency has not been formally verified. This can leave you uncertain about the condition of your home’s airtightness and energy performance. An air leak test can provide the clarity you need.

8. Upper Respiratory Symptoms

Persistent upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and congestion can be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality caused by air leaks. Contaminants and allergens entering through gaps in your home can trigger or worsen these symptoms. Addressing air leaks can lead to a healthier living environment.

How Blower Door Testing Can Help

Blower door testing is a comprehensive method for identifying and addressing air leaks in your home. Here’s how the process works:

1. Preparation: Our technicians close all exterior doors and windows and open interior doors. HVAC systems are turned off and vents are sealed to ensure accurate testing.
2. Installation: We install a blower door, a powerful fan mounted on an adjustable frame, into an exterior door opening.
3. Testing: The fan pressurizes or depressurizes the home, causing air to flow through any leaks. We use tools like smoke pencils or infrared cameras to detect these leaks.
4. Data Collection: We gather data on the amount and location of air leakage to understand the extent of the problem.
5. Recommendations and Sealing: Based on the test results, we recommend and implement sealing solutions to address the leaks.

Benefits of Sealing Air Leaks

Addressing air leaks through professional testing and sealing offers numerous advantages:

• Enhanced Comfort: Achieve consistent indoor temperatures and eliminate drafts.
• Energy Savings: Reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
• Improved Air Quality: Prevent pollutants and allergens from entering your home.
• Extended HVAC Lifespan: Reduce the strain on your HVAC system, leading to fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.
• Environmental Impact: Lower your carbon footprint by improving energy efficiency.

Let’s Get In Touch

If you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s time to consider having your home tested for air leaks. At Energy Duct, we offer professional blower door testing services to help you identify and seal air leaks, improving your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and air quality. Contact us today to schedule a test and take the first step towards a more efficient and comfortable home in Chattanooga.