4 Ways Your Home Could Be Leaking Money

November 19, 2015
Ross and Witmer

You trust your Fort Mill, South Carolina, home to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but if you’ve seen a rise in your energy bills, your home might be leaking money. Finding potential air leaks in these four critical places can help you save cash, increase your home’s comfort levels, and conserve energy.

Tears in Air Ducts

Your air ducts transport conditioned air to all rooms in your home. When a portion of an air duct tears or comes loose, air can easily escape. While you can sometimes locate air duct leaks yourself, most remain hidden from view. Consider bringing in a professional for a home health assessment to find leaks and schedule repairs.

Cracks in Walls and Baseboards

As a home ages, it can settle into the foundation, which might cause cracks along your walls and baseboards. These cracks might seem like minor cosmetic damage, but they can allow air to escape and enter your home. Sealing cracks when they appear can stop your home from leaking money and prevent your HVAC system from consuming too much energy.

Space in Attic Hatches and Recessed Lights

Similarly to wall cracks, space between attic hatches and recessed lights and the surrounding walls can also cause air leaks. Seal these areas against heat loss and gain. If you don’t feel comfortable completing this yourself, hire a professional.

Gaps Between Windows and Doors

Doors and windows represent the most vulnerable areas in your home for air leaks. Tiny gaps between the window or door and its surround might allow air to escape. Weather-stripping can help seal these cracks and protect your home against heat loss and gain. Alternatively, consider replacing older models with more energy-efficient alternatives.

When you know your home consumes more energy (and more money) than it should, take a proactive approach to the problem. Give us a call at 704-392-6188 to schedule a home performance tune-up or to investigate air leaks related to your HVAC system.

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