It is not easy to imagine the extent to which your home utility bills can get inflated just due to leakage of air from different points. Could you believe that by just plugging these leaks you may achieve up to five to thirty per cent saving?
Leaks in the gas system do not just inflate your expenses; they pose a danger to life too. An unsealed door, a window or a heater vent; whatever be the source for such a leak, getting it fixed immediately by calling a qualified technician is absolutely necessary. Even the thinnest leaks can be detected by performing a pressure test.
The following are the5 steps involved in the process of checking for air leaks at your home.
Step 1
Heating and cooling systems, HVAC and furnaces installed in the house need to be turned off and damper of the fire place closed tightly. In case there is a gas water heater, this also should be turned off. Ensure that all the doors and windows as also skylights or vents too are closed properly.
Step 2
All the exhaust fans usually installed in places like, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry enclosures, should be turned on. In case exhaust fans are not installed, the purpose can be served to some extent by directing a simple portable fan outward through one open window.
First of all, check the fireplace by sensing if any stink or odor is emanating from the chimney. If it is, try to pinpoint the exact place it is coming out from after putting off the fans and seal it if you can.
You may proceed further without fixing the first leak located only if the stink is not too strong; if it is, it may be advisable not to take any chances and call for specialist services.
It is quite common to have leakages in the fireplaces in old houses due to neglect of the owners. It may be worthwhile in such situations to consider getting latest gas stoves installed rather than incurring frequent repair expenses.
Step 3
It is necessary to carry out a thorough check of the entire house for leaks. The house as an enclosure gets depressurized when all the fans are running and that leads to finding the leaks.
One simple way to manually detect leaks is by moving your wet hand around possible leakage points such as, windows, outlets in electrical fittings and gadgets, molding interfaces, attic and basement hatches; you may be able to locate a leak with your fingers particularly during cold. An incense stick or a candle flame too gives a good indication of a leak by quivering of smoke/flame.
Step 4
Use a ladder to check your attics; of course a good access to them helps a lot.
Step 5
Fixing the leaks is better done when the fans are off. Caulking fixes the leaks pretty well but may look unsightly. It is desirable that the leaks are fixed from both outside and inside to make your repair better effective. A duct tape too is very handy for the job for some areas.
Aerosol cans are highly recommended for insulation but needs extra care while using so as to prevent the material spreading all around. Take care to switch off power mains of your entire house before you fix any leaks in electric gadgets; precaution is always better than unwarranted valor!
Home DIY Solar Panel Guide
Before you install a home solar power system, the first thing you will need to do is check of air leaks at home. There is no point trying to supplement your home energy usage with solar power when cool or hot air is leaking from your house.
Remember, these air (cool or hot) was generated from a heater or air-conditioner which consume electricity. Get this fixed first before thinking about solar system.
Are you planning to make your own solar panel for your home solar power system? If you are, be sure to check out the Green DIY Energy program.
The program was specially created to teach you step by step how to construct a solar array on a shoestring budget. The instructions are in PDF files and also High Definition (HD) video recordings. Click on the link below and visit GreenDIYEnergy download page right now.