Air-tightness is one of the most important aspects in making your Birmingham, Alabama home more energy-efficient. To do this, you must seal all air leaks around your windows, doors, and other adjoining areas where leaks commonly form. Fortunately, there are some DIY projects you can take on to improve your home’s air-tightness.
Attic Insulation
A good place to start is by searching for any large leaks in the attic. Look for dirty fiberglass insulation where the roof meets the attic floor, as this is an indicator of air passing through it. Pull the insulation back to find the leak and seal accordingly. Caulk if the gap is narrow, and replace structural material if it has deteriorated. Then replace the insulation with new, clean material.
Attic Vents and Doors
Considering you paid to heat the air in your home, you want to keep it around for as long as possible. As you know, heat rises, and if it can escape into the attic it will. When it rises into the attic, cool air from outside will fill the void, and your HVAC will work longer and harder to produce more warm air. Inspect the seams around and vents and doors leading to your attic. Make sure any caulk or sealant applied in the past is still in good shape. If not, pull out the bad stuff and seal. The goal is air-tightness for improved energy efficiency.
Windows, Exterior Doors, and Fireplaces
Fireplaces and exterior-facing windows and doors are other critical areas homeowners should inspect at least once a year. Caulking and weather-stripping do wear over time, especially when confronted with the outside elements year after year. Spend one weekend each fall replacing any faulty weather-stripping and caulking. Check the adjoining edges where your fireplace meets the walls, as those are common places for air to sneak through, and caulk as needed.
To schedule a professional consultation with One Source Heating, Cooling & Electrical to make your home more energy-efficient, call (205) 509-1929.
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