If you want an energy-efficient home, you’ll need to find and address air leaks throughout your property. When too much air seeps in and out of your home, you can lose a significant amount of money on heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to identify leaks so they can be sealed.

How Professionals Identify Leaks

1. Common Leak Locations

When you invite your local HVAC company to inspect your home, they'll look for leaks in a few standard spots. These include the top and sill plates of your home, doors and windows, vents, outdoor faucets, and anywhere a duct or fixture is installed in your attic floor.

2. Visual Inspection

The technician who visits your home will walk through to inspect the “home envelope,” or surfaces on the outside of the heated portion of your home. In addition to thoroughly testing common leak locations, your visiting expert will keep an eye out for any unusual insulation problems.

3. Light Test

One way professionals test for leaks is to have one person stand inside the house and one outside at night. Then, the person inside will shine a light at any suspected cracks. If the person outside can see the light, there is an air leak.

4. Paper Test

To check the seals on doors or windows, a technician may close them on a piece of paper. If they can remove the paper without tearing it while the door or window is closed, it isn't energy-efficient and needs to be resealed.

5. Smoke Test

Finally, a professional may test your home by sealing doors, windows, and fireplaces, then spraying fine powder or smoke into the air. If the smoke is disturbed, there’s a leak nearby. 

Once your HVAC technician knows where the leaks are in your home, they can seal them and dramatically increase the performance of your heating and cooling system. Don't waste any more energy heating the outdoors—schedule an inspection in time for the chilliest season!

Comfort Tech Heating and Air Conditioning is your source for energy-efficient HVAC installation, maintenance, and upgrades in Thomasville, NC. Their skilled technicians have been providing quality service for over 20 years, and they offer a two-year guarantee on all labor. You can also receive $20 off when you mention the website! To schedule service, call (336) 472-5858 or contact them online.