Copy of Air Leaks and Your Utility Bills

By: Michael Morehead, Appalachian Certified Home Inspections, LLC

What you can't see may be costing you a small fortune

Your house is a system, and all its components work together. Adding insulation and sealing air leaks can improve its energy efficiency and durability, as well as increase your family’s comfort. However, every change you make to the building’s envelope (its walls, floors and ceilings) and components will affect how well the home works to keep out the elements and keep your family safe and comfortable. Tightening the building envelope without providing appropriate ventilation can cause pressure imbalances or negative pressure in the house. This negative pressure can set up unwanted conditions for back-drafting of fireplaces and fuelburning (combustion) appliances and draw pollutants into the home. A trained contractor understands how the home’s systems work together to keep your house operating as it should.

Common air sealing trouble spots are shown on the graphic below. Research has identified 19 key areas where air sealing can improve a home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and building durability. The information in this guide can help you find a certified home performance contractor and work with him or her to identify problem areas, prioritize projects with safety in mind, and start sealing the air leaks in your home for cost-effective energy savings.

Air sealing trouble spots

Sources of air leaks in your home

Click Here to obtain your FREE Air-Leaks Guide - Courtesy of ACHI-WV.