Save Energy and Lower Utility Bills
Reducing your home’s air leakage is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your energy bills in Stockton and across the Central Valley, where long, hot summers keep air conditioners running for months at a time. Sealing the gaps around windows, doors, lighting, outlets, and ductwork keeps your conditioned air inside and stops unconditioned outdoor air from forcing your HVAC system to work overtime.
The six tips below cover the most common places a home leaks air and the simple fixes that make the biggest difference. Some are quick do-it-yourself projects, while others – like replacing aging windows or adding backdraft dampers – are better handled by a professional. If you would rather have it done right the first time, the team at Greener Solutions Heating & AC can tighten up your home while keeping fresh-air ventilation at healthy levels.
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 choose from materials like foam, vinyl, rubber, and felt, or metals like aluminum or stainless steel.
Seal around lighting
The space above your ceiling is often unconditioned space, whether that is a hot summer attic or a cooler one in winter. Sealing the space around light fixtures closes the gap that lets air enter your room from these unconditioned areas between your ceiling and the structure.
Seal around plugs and plumbing studs
Similarly, the gaps inside your walls may be open to unconditioned spaces like the attic, garage, or crawl space. 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 reach the end of their life, or as soon as you notice excessive condensation between the panes of double-pane glass. Look for windows that are more energy efficient. They may cost more up front, but the energy savings from easier heating and cooling will offset the extra cost over time.
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 your home from unconditioned outdoor air being pushed inside – hot air during Central Valley summers and cooler air in 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 Heating & AC a call at (209) 946-5796.