February 22, 2017
Air that leaks through a home's windows, doors,
ceilings, walls, the foundation and other areas is a
major source of heating and cooling loss. Known as air infiltration, it can waste up to one-third of your home's energy budget.
The Minnesota Commerce Department recommends stopping air leaks as one of the best ways to conserve energy, save
money and increase the comfort of your home.
Typically, air infiltration causes
drafts and a chilly feeling near windows and doors and in basements. Adjusting
your thermostat will not stop it, but sealing those hidden cracks and
openings will. By stopping air leaks, you will stay warmer in the winter and
cooler in the summer, while also using less energy and reducing your utility bills.
Sealing air leaks is one of the easiest ways to reduce energy loss.
The first step to tightening your home
is a detailed inspection of air leaks. With a professional home
energy assessment, which you can arrange through your local utility, a home energy inspector can show you locations where air is leaking and needs to be sealed.
A good rule of
thumb is to start by plugging holes and leaks in the attic; then move to the
exterior walls and look for smaller leaks around doors, windows and electrical
switches and outlets. Finally, check out your basement.
Much of the plugging can be achieved
with some inexpensive weather-stripping, caulking and filler materials. Wires,
pipes and ducts that enter the attic must have firestop caulking or foam
sealant applied. Doors and windows need tight weather-stripping and caulking. Wall penetrations byfaucets and wires need to be sealed, too.
Caulking is one of the most
cost-effective, do-it-yourself air-sealing methods. Caulk can be used to seal
air leaks in spots such as cracks and gaps between exterior windows and door
frames and your home’s siding. Generally speaking, you can seal openings up to
a quarter inch with caulk alone.
For more information on air sealing,
including caulking and plugging larger gaps, see the Air-Sealing section (pages
6-13) of the Minnesota Commerce Department’s Home
Energy Guide. The U.S. Department of Energy also
offers guidance on Air
Sealing Your Home as well as tips
for caulking.
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Minnesota Energy Tips is provided twice a month by the
Minnesota Commerce Department, Division of Energy Resources. Contact the Department's Energy Information Center at energy.info@state.mn.us or 800-657-3710 with your energy questions.
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