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DIY air sealing is an easy, affordable way to reduce energy consumption and improve your home’s energy efficiency by sealing gaps that let warm or cool air escape.
At a Glance:
- DIY air sealing improves insulation and reduces energy loss, helping your heating and cooling system work more efficiently.
- By sealing air leaks, homeowners can cut down on heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.
- With a budget of just $100, you can make a noticeable impact on your home’s comfort and energy consumption.
If you want to reduce energy consumption in your home without making big changes like replacing your HVAC system, DIY air sealing is a great place to start. It’s a quick and low-cost solution that anyone can tackle. By sealing up those pesky air leaks around windows, doors, and other areas, you can instantly improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Check out this article on 6 common heating and cooling mistakes for more tips on energy efficiency.
Plus, adding insulation to your home is one of the best investments you can make. A well-insulated home retains more heat in the winter and stays cooler in the summer, which means your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard. The result? Lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space.
For more details on how insulation can help lower your energy bill, here’s another resource.
12 Tips for DIY air sealing to reduce energy consumption and improve insulation:
1. Seal Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are often the biggest culprits for air leaks. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps and improve your home energy efficiency.
2. Check Baseboards
Inspect the seams of your baseboards for any cracks. Sealing them with caulk can prevent air from escaping, adding to your home’s insulation.
3. Inspect Vents and Outlets
Use outlet insulators to stop air leaks around electrical outlets, switches, and vents. This is a quick fix to reduce energy consumption.
4. Use Incense to Find Hidden Air Leaks
Light a stick of incense and hold it near potential leak areas. If the smoke doesn’t rise straight, you’ve found a draft. This method can help you discover hard-to-find leaks around your home.
5. Seal Gaps Around Pipes and Wires
Any place where pipes or wiring come through walls can have gaps that let air in or out. Use expandable foam or caulk to seal these areas.
6. Check Your Ductwork
Leaky ducts can cause you to lose heated or cooled air. Make sure to seal any seams or holes in your ductwork using foil duct tape or mastic tape for long-lasting results.
7. Use Weatherstripping for Sliding Doors
Sliding doors can be a big source of drafts. Install weatherstripping to keep air from escaping and improve your home’s overall insulation.
8. Add Thresholds to Doors
Installing door thresholds can help block drafts from entering under doors, further reducing energy consumption.
9. Insulate Attic Access
Don’t forget about your attic! Make sure the access door or hatch is properly sealed to stop warm air from escaping into the attic during the winter.
10. Seal Around Chimneys
Chimney flues can be another source of air leaks. Ensure your flue is closed tightly when not in use and check for any gaps around the chimney.
11. Use Outlet Insulators
These inexpensive foam gaskets fit behind outlet and switch plates, helping to prevent drafts and improve your home’s insulation.
12. Maintain Your HVAC System
A dirty HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills. Regular maintenance, like changing filters and cleaning ducts, ensures your system runs efficiently, complementing your DIY air sealing efforts.
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Let’s wrap things up
DIY air sealing is an effective and budget-friendly way to boost home energy efficiency. While it doesn’t replace the need for a well-maintained HVAC system or proper insulation, it can help reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills. We recommend leaving HVAC upgrades to the professionals, but DIY air sealing is something every homeowner can do.
We recently published a blog sharing 3 uncommon but highly impactful ways to lower your energy bill. Check it out!
Tetra is here to help with your home energy efficiency goals. Schedule a free virtual estimate today to explore how we can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
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