Where Does All the Heat Go?

Almost all homes allow air to infiltrate one way or another by means of penetrations in the homes envelope, which are necessary to provide certain utilities access, and ventilation into and out of a home. Although these are unavoidable, it should be minimized and controlled to maximize the efficiency of other items in our home, such as energy efficient windows, heating and cooling units, etc., and to increase and maintain our health and comfort.

The best time to properly seal your home is when it is under construction. Many places in your home are susceptible to air infiltration. Unfortunately, local building codes require minimal standards to be met. And, although the local towns have their building inspector check for insulation during construction, heavy work loads, often do not afford them the time to perform in-depth energy inspections. Furthermore, keep in mind that the standards that building departments maintain are the legal minimum required by code. Maintaining an enhanced standard is left up to the homeowner and their contractor.

Cold air easily enters a home during cold weather due to the difference in temperatures, air pressure and wind. If this remains uncontrolled it can cost you a bundle in utility bills. Hence, there are ways to help control these situations.

Areas where air infiltration can be a problem are:

• 1. On the average, garage doors are not tightly sealed and allow for air to enter easily from the top, bottom and sides. Applying weatherseal around the doors can help to lessen the cold air from entering. Having a professional do this may be wiser, since the door may need a slight adjustment to close properly, afterward.

• 1. Many garages are located beneath the home or under the 2^nd level. This layout is common in many homes. Adequately sized insulation should be installed between the floor joists above the garage.  The drywall on the garage ceiling should be properly seamed to not allow any drafts from penetrating.

• 1. Dryer vents easily allow cold air to enter a home. Make sure to check that there are flaps on the outside of the dryer duct. Missing flaps will constantly let in a cold draft when the dryer is off.

• 1. Wherever there is a utility, a plumbing line, an electrical outlet or wire, a duct line or any other item that enters the home from the outside, make sure they are sealed. These are areas where there is the likelihood that cold air can enter your home and should be caulked or sealed.

• 1. A fireplace is another place that warm air can quickly and easily escape from your home. Check the damper to make sure it is securely closed, when it is not in use. If it does not sit properly on its frame, try to adjust it, or have it replaced, if necessary.

• 1. Windows and doors are notorious for allowing cold air into your home. If the windows are new and you have cold air infiltrating your home, call the builder. It can be something simple that may need adjustment or it can be a defect in the window that is covered by the builders warranty and/or the manufacturer’s warranty.

• 1. Outlets and recessed light fixtures inside your home are some other areas that can be a source for drafts.

• 1. Attic hatches and attic stairs are areas that, in most homes, are not sealed in any way, letting warm air escape over 90% of the time.

Warm air leakage can account for up to 40% of your energy usage. This also affects the efficiency of other products in your home, as well. For example, the affect of an energy efficient window is reduced when energy efficiency in other areas of the home are not maintained.

While having fresh air in your home is important for your health, insufficient air circulation can also affect your health. Ailments such as respiratory troubles, lethargy and frequent headaches are common in households that do not have proper air circulating throughout their homes.

You may also want to have a plumber or heating and ventilation contractor perform an assessment on your home to see the amount of heat loss that may be occurring due to the large windows you have in your home. Good Luck.

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