How to Detect Air Leaks in a Home

If you've ever lived in a drafty house where the windows rattled and cold air seeped inside on those cold winter nights, you already know how important it is to find and block those air leaks in your home. Not only will it save you hundreds of dollars in heating bills over the course of the year, it will make you more comfortable, too.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Inspect window and door frames for any air leakage. You can easily find the amount of air leaking around a door or window by lighting a candle and holding it several inches from the frame. If the candle flickers, you have an air leak. Take your time and run the candle around the perimeter of the window, and take note of any areas that are not sealed properly.

2. Check for leaks under the door by looking for light leaks. If you can see a light when it is shined under the door, then you have an air leak. A properly sealed door will block light, too.

3. Check you dryer vent for air leaks. This is one of the most commonly overlooked areas in the house. If the vent is not properly sealed, cold air will travel in the vent and out your dryer, leaking cold air into your home. If possible, shine a light from the outside and look for leaks. Open the dryer door and check for a draft coming from the dryer. A lighted candle held near the open door will waver if there is a draft coming out of the dryer.

4. Check any unused fireplaces to be sure that they are adequately sealed. If it is not sealed properly, warm air from your home will be drawn into the chimney. This will create a considerable heat loss to your home. You can quickly determine if air is being drawn into the chimney by lighting a match and blowing it out. If the smoke is drawn into the chimney, you can be sure that your warm air is too.

5. Call your local Community Action Program or Cooperative Extension at your local university. These organizations often offer heat loss assessments. In some areas, you may be able to get an assessment free of charge, depending on your income or other eligibility requirements.