Air leaks around windows, doors, ducts, and insulation can make your home less comfortable and waste energy. Even small gaps let conditioned air escape. At Loves Air in Salida, CA, we help homeowners track down these hidden leaks and seal them for lasting comfort. The fixes are simple but deliver major improvements in efficiency and monthly costs.
How Energy Audits Find Hidden Leaks
A professional home energy audit identifies exactly where air is escaping and how it affects your HVAC efficiency. A complete audit can include a detailed review of insulation, windows, doors, and ductwork. Professionals often check less obvious areas, such as recessed lighting, attic hatches, and gaps around plumbing or electrical components. We can use infrared cameras to detect temperature differences that reveal hidden leaks. Once identified, we prioritize fixing the areas based on their impact on comfort and energy costs. Documenting each leak allows homeowners to track improvements after sealing.
Common Sources of Air Leaks
Air leaks can appear in many unexpected places. Some are obvious, like big gaps around the windows or doors, while others can hide inside walls, attics, or ductwork. Even newer homes can develop leaks over time as materials expand and contract through the seasons. Changes in humidity and temperature cause small gaps to widen, especially around framing and trim. Regular inspections help catch these shifts before they turn into significant energy loss.
Ductwork
Loose joints and cracks in ducts let conditioned air escape before it reaches the vents. This wastes energy and reduces air flow. Professional duct sealing restores full pressure and balanced comfort. We can inspect all visible ducts for cracks and seal problem areas using HVAC-approved mastic tape or sealants. Large areas with substantial leaks may require replacement of ducting.
Windows and Doors
Over time, caulking cracks and weatherstripping breaks down. Small openings around old windows and doors can create drafts. Our trusted professionals at Loves Air offer window replacement and installation in Salida. Energy-efficient models provide a tight seal and reduce heat transfer year-round.
Attics and Insulation
Warm air rises, and attic leaks are a common and expensive issue. Gaps near plumbing vents, chimneys, and light fixtures allow steady air loss. Sealing with expanding spray foam or caulk keeps the attic closer to room temperature. Then you can consider adding or replacing insulation.
Walls and Outlets
Openings for pipes, wiring, and switches can leak more air than you’d expect. Foam gaskets and caulk around these spots can block unwanted drafts and dust. Professional support includes removal of outlet covers and installation of foam gaskets. It’s also important to seal any gaps that are present with caulk or expanding spray foam.
Basements and Crawl Spaces
Cold air enters through cracks near the foundation and rim joists. Sealing those gaps helps control humidity and stabilize indoor temperatures. Seal foundation cracks and rim joists using high-quality water-resistant products.
Fireplace and Chimney
Fireplaces can be a major source of air loss. Even if the damper stays closed, small cracks around the chimney can pull conditioned air out. Sealing these openings with high-temperature caulk or chimney balloons prevents drafts while maintaining safe operation.
Garage and Exterior Connections
Gaps around garage doors often go unnoticed. Cold or hot air can enter these spaces, affecting nearby rooms. Weatherstripping and sealing these transitions improves overall comfort and reduces energy waste. Check garage-to-home entry points and apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps. Weatherstripping has a typical life expectancy of three to five years. Establish a routine of replacing these items every few years to keep leaks to a minimum.
Skylights and Roof Penetrations
Skylights and roof vents can leak if not properly sealed. Over time, flashing can degrade, and gaps can form around vents. Inspecting and sealing these areas prevents energy loss but also water intrusion. A small amount of moisture can quickly lead to structural issues or mold growth. Examine skylight flashing and roof vents. These gaps should be sealed with roof-grade caulk or sealant.
Simple Ways You Can Test for Air Leaks
You can test for leaks before scheduling a professional home energy audit. On a windy day, light a candle and hold it near windows, doors, and vents. If the smoke or flame moves, you have an air leak.
You can also feel for drafts by running your hand along baseboards and frames. These simple tests typically highlight easy fixes you can handle yourself before calling a professional.
The Benefits of Sealing Air Leaks
The results of tightening your home envelope go far beyond a smaller utility bill. Once sealed, your home feels more comfortable, and your HVAC system works more efficiently.
Lower Energy Costs
Keeping conditioned air inside where it belongs reduces wasted energy. Most homeowners see bills drop within the first billing cycle.
Achieving Better Comfort
Sealing your home reduces hot and cold spots. This process also helps rooms maintain even temperatures throughout the day without having to make frequent thermostat adjustments.
Longer HVAC Lifespan
Efficient airflow means fewer cycles and less stress on key components. This helps protect your system and allows it to last longer.
Cleaner Indoor Air
Fewer air leaks mean less dust, pollen, and outdoor pollution entering your home. This can ease allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
Increased Home Value
An energy-efficient home is very appealing to potential buyers. Sealing leaks and upgrading windows and doors can increase resale value and market appeal. This shows potential buyers that your home is well cared for.
Enhanced System Performance
Sealing leaks helps your HVAC system maintain airflow more efficiently. This improves heating and cooling in every room without excessive use of your system.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Sealing leaks reduces energy consumption. This equates to you contributing fewer greenhouse gases to the environment.
Better Humidity Control
Air leaks can let moist outdoor air inside, which can cause condensation or mold. Sealing keeps relative humidity levels at the recommended range of 35% to 50%.
Professional Sealing Works Best
Some leaks are difficult to reach or require specialized tools. For example, ductwork inside walls or crawl spaces may be inaccessible without proper equipment. Our technicians have the experience and tools to access these areas safely. We ensure that sealing does not interfere with ventilation or safety systems. After sealing, many homeowners notice quieter operation, improved temperature balance, and reduced energy costs.
Caulk and weatherstripping are great products for small gaps, but hidden leaks need expert care. HVAC technicians know where airflow escapes and how to fix it without interrupting the process of ventilation.
Take the First Step Toward Efficiency
If you’ve noticed drafts or uneven comfort in your home, sealing leaks is the first step. The repair is quick, affordable, and pays for itself in energy savings. Loves Air is ready to help you locate and fix problems. We handle energy audits, duct sealing, and window improvements for lasting performance. Contact Loves Air today to schedule an energy audit or duct sealing service in Salida.
