6 Tips for reducing Your Home's Air Leakage

Save Energy and Lower Utility Bills

Wasted energy impacts both your heating and cooling bills so regardless of the season, you’ll benefit from tightening up your home’s construction. You’ll also have more control over the allergen and may even prevent outdoor critters from taking residence in the hidden corners of your home. Here are some simple ways you can keep your conditioned air inside and prevent outdoor air from taxing your HVAC equipment.

Replace weather stripping around windows and doors

This is a simple, yet often overlooked task that can help you save on energy bills. You can chooser from materials like foam, vinyl, rubber, felt or metals like aluminum or stainless steel.

Seal around lighting

The space above your ceiling is often unheated space. Sealing the space around light fixtures closes the gab for air to enter your room from these unconditioned areas between your ceiling and the structure.

Seal around plugs and plumbing studs

Similarly, the gaps inside your wall me be open to unconditioned spaces like the attic and certain areas of your basement. The openings for your plumbing and electrical outlets can allow unconditioned air to enter, or can cause you to lose precious heated or cooled air. Caulk and seal around these items to minimize air leakage.

Replace window panes

As windows age, the seal around the glass deteriorates, much like the seal around the window itself. Replace windows before they’ve reached the end of life or as soon as you notice excessive condensation between the glass panes if you have double-glazed glass. Look for windows that are more energy efficient. They may be more expensive but the energy savings will offset the extra cost.

Ensure that you have backdraft dampers installed

Where dryer and fan exhaust exit the building, there’s usually a damper that prevents air from entering when the exhaust is off. It allows air to flow in one direction only and protects you home from cold air being blown in during winter. If the damper is missing or damaged, have one installed as soon as possible.

Seal around flue vents, chimneys and other pipes and ducts leaving your house

In addition to preventing air from entering your exhaust ductwork with a damper, you need to ensure there is no space around the duct where air can seep into your house. Seal around these termination points to keep the air out.

Keep in mind that when you seal your home tightly, you still need ways to provide ventilation. If you need help reducing your home’s leakage while keeping the fresh air at the right levels, give Greener Solutions Heat & AC a call.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Pre-Summer AC Checklist for Central Valley Homeowners

May 21, 2025

Pre-Summer AC Checklist for Homeowners in the San Joaquin Central Valley By Greener Solutions Heat & AC As the temperatures rise in the Central Valley, your home’s air conditioning system is about to become your best friend. But before the triple-digit heat waves hit Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, Modesto, and Lodi, it’s important to make sure your AC unit is running at peak efficiency. A well-maintained system not only cools better but saves you money on your energy bills and helps prevent mid-summer breakdowns. Here’s a comprehensive Pre-Summer AC Checklist from your trusted local AC repair and installation experts at Greener Solutions Heat & AC : ✅ 1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones at least once a month during heavy-use seasons. ✅ 2. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit Leaves, dirt, and overgrown vegetation can block airflow to your condenser unit. Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clear space around the unit for proper ventilation. ✅ 3. Inspect and Clean the Condenser Coils Dust and grime can build up on the outdoor condenser coils, reducing efficiency. If you're comfortable, you can gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (never a pressure washer). For deeper cleaning, call a professional. ✅ 4. Check Thermostat Settings Make sure your thermostat is set to cooling mode and your desired temperature is programmed correctly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set a schedule to save energy while you're away. ✅ 5. Listen for Unusual Noises Turn your system on and take a few minutes to listen. Banging, rattling, or squealing sounds can indicate a mechanical issue that should be addressed by a technician. ✅ 6. Inspect Vents and Registers Walk through your home and ensure all vents are open and unblocked by furniture or rugs. Closed or obstructed vents reduce efficiency and comfort. ✅ 7. Test Airflow in Every Room Run the system and feel for strong airflow from each vent. Weak airflow could be a sign of duct issues, a clogged filter, or failing components. ✅ 8. Check for Signs of Refrigerant Leaks If you notice ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or warm air blowing from your vents , you might have a refrigerant leak. This requires professional attention right away. ✅ 9. Empty or Inspect the Condensate Drain Line Your AC removes humidity and drains the condensation outside. If the drain line is clogged, it could back up and cause water damage. Ensure the line is clear and draining properly. ✅ 10. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up Even if everything looks good, a certified HVAC technician can catch issues early, optimize system performance, and extend the life of your AC unit. We’ll check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, capacitors, contactors, and more. 🔧 Ready for a Worry-Free Summer? If you're not 100% confident in your AC system or just want peace of mind before the heat sets in, Greener Solutions Heat & AC is here to help. Our experienced team proudly serves Stockton , Tracy , Manteca , Modesto , and Lodi with reliable, honest, and energy-efficient AC repair and maintenance services. 📞 Call us today at (209) 232-8595 to schedule your Pre-Summer AC Tune-Up or request a residential AC repair appointment. Don’t wait until it’s too hot—get ahead of the heat with Greener Solutions!