Keep the Drafts Out and the AC In!

April 17, 2015

Making the effort to stop air leaks can save you 25 to 30 percent (or more!) of energy loss in your heating and cooling systems. Establishing the home’s proper air-tightness is important to not only reduce energy consumption, but also avoid moisture condensation problems and uncomfortable drafts. Plus, by conducting an energy audit, you can determine how much mechanical ventilation might be needed to provide acceptable air quality. It is definitely worth the time and effort to seek out and find…then repair these air leaks.

Test For Leaks

Many HVAC energy losses can be traced to air leaks in the actual equipment or ductwork which can be easily found and repaired. Other leaks are a bit sneakier, but a few tests can help you make the inspection much more accurate and help to speed up the process.

Blower Door Test

Find out how airtight your home is by using a blower door test. This powerful variable-speed fan mounts into the frame of an exterior door and pulls air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings; the test uses a pressure gauge to measure and determine the air infiltration rate.

Duct Leakage Detector Test

Sometimes you can see obvious air leakage gaps, like under your door, but finding those not-so-obvious gaps can be a little more challenging. Also known as the flow hood, the duct leakage detector test blows air into the duct system through a register after all of the other returns and registers have been adequately sealed. Using specialized tools, technicians can indicate any differences in pressure where air is leaking from.

Visual Test

Take a walk around the inside and outside of your home to inspect all areas where two different building materials meet such as:

  • Corners
  • Outdoor water faucets
  • Chimneys
  • Foundation
  • Outlets
  • Door and window frames
  • Baseboards
  • Weather stripping
  • Attic hatches
  • TV and phone lines and other wires
  • Dryer vents
  • Pipes

Shut the Front Door!

Give this a try to detect air leaks on your own: shut a door or window on a dollar bill…if you can pull the dollar bill out without it dragging, you’re losing energy.

What to do?

Scheduling a Lawes Heating and Cooling Company technician to come out and inspect your HVAC system and taking the time to inspect for air leaks in your home are among the best things you can do to prepare your air conditioner in advance for the hot, hot New Jersey days of summer. Our number one priority is to keep you and your family comfortable all year round. Our certified oil and gas burner technicians, and air conditioning technicians are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and provide all the essential repairs, tune-ups and installations for all your cooling needs. To view our service plans, click here.

Posted in Air Conditioning