The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation to attics, floors above mezzanines, and accessible beams at the edges of the basement. According to Energystar, before air sealing, 20 to 30% of cold or hot air can be lost through holes and leaks. The company states that air sealing can save an average of 15% on your energy bill. If you're having trouble locating putty, try calling professional energy auditors or heating and air conditioning installers to ask where they buy theirs.
To seal leaking ducts, many heating and air conditioning professionals use putty, which is by far the best product on the market for sealing leaking ducts. The cost of an air sealing project varies greatly depending on the size of the house, its age and condition, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional. If you are planning a comprehensive remodeling of your home that includes some work, review some of the techniques used to seal the air in the construction of new homes and consider carrying out a home energy assessment to identify all opportunities to save energy and money in your home. Turn off the basement lights and look at the walls from the inside for gaps, then seal them with putty or foam.
Seal gaps, such as those around the dryer's vents, with putty or liquid expandable foam, which can prevent airflow and add insulation, further reducing heat loss or gain. The reduction of air infiltration in this project is reflected in the reduction of gas consumption. Exterior doors are another major source of air leaks, which usually occur between the door and the jamb. When it's hotter and there's less wind, not enough air may come in, which can lead to poor indoor air quality.
He says that if some of the rooms in your house are colder than others or there are drafts, it could be a sign that you need to air seal your house. Air sealing your home is a great way to save money on energy bills while also improving indoor air quality. By sealing up any gaps or cracks in your home, you can reduce heat loss or gain and prevent air from entering or escaping your home. This will help keep your home comfortable year-round while also reducing your energy costs.
When it comes to air sealing, it's important to take into account all potential sources of air leakage. This includes windows, doors, attics, basements, crawl spaces, and any other areas where air may be entering or escaping your home. It's also important to use the right materials for air sealing, such as putty or liquid expandable foam. Sealing a home can result in savings on heating and cooling costs ranging from 5 or 10 percent on a home that's already well sealed, to 30 or 40 percent or even more.
If you're looking for ways to save money on energy bills while also improving indoor air quality, air sealing is a great option. By taking the time to identify potential sources of air leakage and using the right materials for air sealing, you can reduce heat loss or gain while also saving money.
