How to Find Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks in your home can cost you about 10% more on your energy bill each month. Here are the steps you can take to find and seal these leaks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Incense sticks
• Weatherstripping
• Caulking

1. On a windy day, which is the best time to test for leaks, hold a lit incense stick next to a place where air leaks are common (i.e. All ducts, window frames, attic entrance, dropped ceiling, electrical outlets, etc.)
2. If the smoke blows horizontally, then you have discovered an air leaks.
3. Weather-strip Depending on the area, you will need to use caulking or weather-stripping to seal the leak.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay close attention to air leaks at doors, windows, and places where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring passes through exterior walls, floors, and ceilings.
• For a more accurate measurement of air leakage, you can hire a technician to conduct a blower door test in your home.