Prestige Home Energy

Air Sealing: What Is It and Why Does Your House Need It? (A Guide)

air sealing services

Are you considering adding air sealing to your list of home improvement projects? It’s definitely a step worth taking. Many homeowners are unaware of the major benefits of air sealing for enhancing indoor comfort. According to a United States Department of Energy report, 25 to 40% of the energy used in homes can be lost due to air leaks in the building envelope and duct systems. 

This loss impacts your comfort and your wallet due to increased energy costs. So, what can be done to ensure your home is more energy-efficient? The answer is an air sealing house. In this blog, we are going to discuss this topic in detail. 

What Is Air Sealing?

Air sealing is a critical home improvement task that involves identifying and effectively sealing various leaks, openings, and breaches in your home’s structure. This detailed process targets the number of small and sometimes less obvious gaps that exist throughout a residence—from windows and doors to attics and basements.

When done correctly by a professional, air sealing optimizes the airflow within your home, ensuring a balanced indoor climate. This means cooler temperatures during the sweltering summer months and a cozy, draft-free environment during the chilly winter. 

How to Air-Seal Your Home?

The simple answer is to focus on two main trouble spots—your ductwork and the home’s outer shell. For an air sealing house, consider the help of professionals, as these tasks require years of expertise. Here’s how they do it:

Sealing Ductwork Leaks

Did you know that most homes have leaky ducts that waste a ton of your air-conditioning and heating? The United States Department of Energy points out that about 90% of houses have duct leaks, which can mess with 20 to 30% of your airflow. These sneaky leaks are mostly found where the ducts join together or at other connection points. 

Professionals in HVAC system maintenance use advanced diagnostic tools, such as smoke machines and infrared cameras, to accurately detect and locate leaks in the duct system. Once identified, these experts use high-grade mastic sealant or metal-backed tape to seal these leaks. Unlike home attempts or other DIY methods, professionals ensure that every joint, seam, and connection is thoroughly checked and sealed.

Sealing Leaks in the Building Envelope

The building envelope includes all external parts of your home—walls, windows, doors, and the roof. Professionals use a detailed and systematic approach to diagnose areas where air leakage occurs. This might include performing a blower door test, which depressurizes your home to reveal the most vulnerable leakage points. 

For an air sealing house, they use high-quality caulk and expanding foam that are more durable and effective than standard materials. Additionally, they install top-tier weatherstripping and door sweeps that stand up better to wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting protection against air leaks.

Why Would You Need to Air Seal Your Home?

Natural airflow is crucial to prevent mold and mildew, and systems like furnace vents are designed to expel potentially harmful indoor air. However, excessive air exchange can pose significant challenges, especially in older homes prone to air leakage through gaps and cracks in areas such as

  • Foundations and Crawl Spaces: These areas are prone to cracks that allow unconditioned air and moisture to seep in.
  • Attics: Poor insulation and unsealed attic penetrations allow significant energy loss and create temperature imbalances.
  • Windows, Doors, and Flues: Improperly sealed openings like fireplace flues and doorframes are common culprits for air infiltration.
  • Electrical Outlets and Floor Joists: These smaller, overlooked areas cumulatively contribute to substantial energy inefficiency.

Even small openings, no larger than a dime, can substantially impact your home’s energy efficiency and air quality.

Benefits of Sealing Air Leaks in Your Home

You can get several benefits when choosing home air sealing by a professional. Some of the benefits are listed below:

  • Reduced Load on HVAC Systems: Air leaks force heating & cooling systems to work harder as they constantly compensate for the loss of conditioned air. This not only increases your energy consumption but can also shorten the lifetime of your HVAC equipment. By sealing these leaks, you reduce the burden on your systems, allowing them to run more efficiently and at a reduced operational cost.
  • Decreased Energy Costs: As discussed earlier in this blog, it’s estimated that up to 40% of a home’s energy loss can be attributed to unsealed leaks. This leads to higher utility bills and an overworked HVAC system. Effective air sealing cuts down on unnecessary energy expenses by maintaining the integrity of the home’s thermal envelope.
  • Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Proper air sealing limits the entry of outdoor pollutants & harmful allergens into your home. This control over air exchange not only improves comfort but also ensures healthier breathing conditions by reducing the likelihood of allergen-induced health issues.
  • Moisture Management: By preventing uncontrolled airflow, air sealing helps to manage indoor humidity levels. This is crucial in avoiding the conditions that lead to mold growth & the associated health risks and structural damage.
  • Noise Reduction: Sealing air leaks in the house reduces the level of external noise that can penetrate inside, contributing to a quieter living environment. This is one of the most important factors when considering the air sealing process.

Despite these benefits, air sealing requires specialized skills, particularly when addressing hard-to-reach areas. 

Conclusion

The air sealing house process improves energy efficiency by eliminating leaks contributing to substantial energy loss, enhancing comfort, and being cost-effective. Proper air sealing not only reduces heating and cooling expenses but also optimizes your home’s environmental conditions, offering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable living space. 

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment at Prestige Home Energy. Our air sealing services are designed to eliminate dust, pollen, moisture buildup, mold spores, and chemical pollutants, ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable. By choosing our expert air sealing solutions, you protect your living space from unwanted external elements while enhancing overall air quality and energy efficiency. Contact us today!

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