Finding and then sealing all of your home’s cracks, crevices, gaps, and open seams—and, believe us, you have a lot more gaps than you think—is the process of air sealing. An expertly sealed home will have perfectly controlled airflow—it will be less stuffy in the summer and less drafty in the winter.
Additionally, air sealing can lower indoor humidity, promote home comfort and health, and reduce the energy required by your heating and cooling systems. It can also improve the general air quality in your home.
Attics are one of the primary sources of unneeded surplus airflow, thus air sealing them.
Your home’s attic and ceilings, which are directly above you, are among the main reasons to air seal and insulate it. It’s likely that a significant amount of heat—up to 30% to 50% of your home’s heating energy—is passing directly through the attic floor!
This is owing to the fact that heat rises and escapes through the top of the house through all of the tiny spaces in a poorly sealed and insulated home.
What’s even more concerning is that as heat escapes through the roof, it actively draws cold air in from the outside, giving the impression that windows, doors, and other entryways are draftier than they actually are. The cold air is being physically drawn into your home from the vacuum left behind by all the outgoing hot air, which is why you may have observed it streaming into your home on a quiet winter day.
The most excellent one-two punch for stopping this process is to air seal your home and install the recommended amount of high-quality insulation. This will prevent hot air from rising and leaving your home.
Where in your home should you air seal?
The quick response is that there are gaps everywhere. But when it comes to air sealing homes, we generally concentrate on the attic and the foundation because those are the two places where unwanted air exchange happens most frequently.
Air sealing for foundations
Foundation air sealing attempts to address the microscopic cracks and crevices that develop in and around your foundation as your property ages. When air sealing a home, these openings are a significant source of extra airflow and are one of the first things to be addressed. Additionally, the wooden beam that encircles your foundation can also be sealed to keep unwelcome air out.
Attic air sealing
The “giant vacuum” effect, which draws cold air into your home, is caused by the paths created by ductwork, electrical wiring, plumbing, bathroom vents, and even recessed lighting fixtures. These problems are resolved by filling the openings with expanding spray foam during attic air sealing, preventing extra air from leaking. It’s essentially magic. (For recessed lighting, the fixtures are sealed around the edges and covered from above with fire-retardant boxes.)
Entire home air sealing: additional areas
In older homes, leaky windows and doors can also be a source of extra airflow. Weatherstripping is a different type of air sealing that is used to address this issue. It is much more affordable than replacing the windows and doors themselves and is quick and straightforward to install.
Getting an energy audit from a qualified contractor is the best approach to determine where to air seal your house. Although conceivable, it’s rarely a brilliant idea to try to audit your own home.
The experts know what to look for, have the tools and expertise to pinpoint exactly where your energy dollars are going, and are willing to squirm into every uncomfortable corner of your house to complete the job correctly.
In the end, using a professional is worthwhile. Additionally, your energy audit is automatically included if you choose a Sealed plan. To make sure that the job is done correctly, we will hire the contractor and fully support their performance.
The EPA predicts savings of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly air sealing and installing insulation. But the worth goes beyond monetary value. Being uncomfortable in your home is no fun, and an air sealing package can help your home base feel more like home.
Can air sealing raise a home's worth?
In fact, according to a survey by the National Association of Homebuilders, purchasers are prepared to pay an extra $8,728 upfront for a home in exchange for a $1,000 annual savings on utilities. In the end, the vast majority of home buyers—91%—prefer an energy-efficient home.
So, energy-efficient home upgrades are essential, not just for new appliances, HVAC systems, and smart thermostats. Upgrades to the attic insulation and air sealing can also significantly impact how appealing your house is to potential purchasers.
Since air sealing is ultimately rewarded, there is no cost to you! Air-sealing techniques stop air leaks that drain your energy from the house and prevent drafts from the outside from coming inside, which keep you cold in the winter and warm in the summer. The majority of basements, external doors, and attics could benefit from air-sealing techniques.
Poor insulation is probably the cause of any cold or drafty spots in your house. According to Energystar.gov, nine out of ten American homes are under-insulated. Check out Suffolkwx.com to learn more about the insulation incentives offered to you!
An adequately weatherized house will keep the heat and cool air inside, saving you money and energy while enhancing comfort and benefiting the environment. We provide weatherization home improvements for pennies on the dollar as a Mass Save® partner!