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Eliminating Hidden Air Leaks
Over the past several months, I’ve highlighted many steps folks can take to save energy and lower their bills. From lighting, to insulation, to heating system maintenance, acting on these tips can mean a big improvement in home efficiency.
Now that the heating season is upon us, there’s a silent, less obvious source of wasted energy to consider that can easily be stopped in most homes.
Air leaks, some caused by openings as small as a crack, can account for over 10 percent of a home’s energy bill. These openings can be hidden throughout the home and allow heated air to escape every minute of the day. Typical sources of air leaks are window and door frames, electrical outlets and switches, plumbing and utility access holes, recessed lighting, dropped ceilings, furnace flues, sill plates and attic entrances.
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The easiest way to find sources of air leaks is to make a checklist of those listed above and inspect your home. Sometimes a leak is obvious because you can feel cold air or a draft on your hand.
A good way to check for leaks on a windy day is to hold a lit incense stick next to locations where there’s a suspected air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you’ve found an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather-stripping.
Some air leaks can be fixed quickly and inexpensively, others may require the help of a qualified contractor. Either way, today’s energy prices can mean a short payback time.
Among the easiest leaks to fix are those caused by electrical outlets and damaged or inadequate caulking. Inexpensive, pre-cut rubber gaskets are available to install behind the covers of light switches and outlets.
And a tube of caulking may be all that’s needed to stop leaks around window and door frames and where plumbing, ducting or wiring goes through exterior walls, floors, ceilings and soffits.
For help finding the source of air leaks in your home, consider a free energy assessment available to NSTAR customers. Call 800-632-8300 for details.
In my next column, I’ll discuss how technology changes have made it even easier to save money with programmable thermostats.
Bill Stack is a Residential Program Manager in NSTAR's energy efficiency department. He can be reached by emailing brightideas@nstar.com. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Bill, please call Caroline Allen (617-424-2460) or Mike Durand (508-441-5831).
