Air leaks waste energy, and they can make buildings uncomfortable for the people inside. The good news is that there are ways to stop them.
The most common areas for air leaks are around doors and windows, electrical outlets, and vents. A simple test can help you find the leaks: hold a piece of paper close to potential gaps, and move it around your house. If the paper moves, there is a leak.
Window and Door Leaks
A window leak can be one of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a replacement. Water leaking around windows can lead to wall damage, mold and other problems. It can also increase your heating and cooling bills due to drafts from the escaping air.
Leaks can occur from a variety of reasons, including changing weather conditions and aging. As temperatures change, sealants can become stressed and cracked, allowing moisture to pass through the frame. Moisture can also be caused by incorrect installation or a lack of sealing.
Sealing air leaks from windows and doors can be one of the easiest ways to save energy in your home. Using caulking to repair gaps is a relatively simple process and doesn’t require any special tools. Using a caulking gun, first clean the area where you are going to apply the caulk.
After cleaning, use a flashlight and walk around the perimeter of your door or window frame. Look for areas where light can be seen through the frame, this is a sign of a gap. Next, conduct a draft test. Hold an incense stick or piece of toilet paper up to the frame, if it moves erraticly, it’s probably because of a draft. You can also use a laser thermometer to scan the surface of your windows and doors for cold spots.
Attic Leaks
Attic leaks typically occur due to roof problems, such as damaged shingles, loose flashing, and faulty sheathing. However, weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures and ice dams, can also contribute to attic leakage. Discovering attic water damage can be distressing, as it threatens the integrity of the home and can lead to costly property damage. In this blog post from our Central Ohio roofers, we discuss the most common causes of attic leaks, what to look for, and steps you can take to address the issue.
If you suspect that your attic is leaking, it’s important to act quickly before the problem gets worse. Water in the attic can cause structural issues and a variety of health concerns. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to remove stored belongings, clean up standing water, and assess the overall severity of the leak.
To identify the source of a leak in your attic, start by tracing drips or moisture trails to find the point of entry into your home. Be sure to take precautions, such as wearing a face mask and using a headlamp flashlight for safer navigation. The next step is to inspect the attic. Look for holes, sagging or wet insulation, and rotted wood in the ceiling joists. It is also important to check for punctures, such as those caused by roof vents, plumbing, chimneys, and skylights. Proper attic insulation and ventilation can help prevent condensation from forming, which in turn prevents leakage.
Electrical Outlet Leaks
Electrical outlets are designed to be away from water, but sometimes they end up getting wet. Water and electricity don’t mix and can be dangerous for the people living in the home. If an outlet is wet, it must be dealt with immediately.
When water enters an electrical outlet, it can corrode the metal parts of the outlet and create a short circuit. This can lead to a fire and serious damage to your home. Water can also get into electrical outlets through the walls of your home if there’s a roof leak.
Anytime an outlet is exposed to water, it’s a good idea to have a professional come inspect it. A faulty outlet could cause a fire that can spread throughout your home and lead to costly repairs.
If you’re worried about a leaking electrical outlet, the first thing to do is turn off any appliances connected to it at the circuit breaker. Then, unplug the outlet and dry it. If the amount of water isn’t too much, it can usually dry on its own overnight. You can also use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process.
Investing in a GFCI outlet is one of the best ways to prevent water entering an electrical outlet. GFCI outlets can shut off the flow of electricity in the event of a leak, protecting your appliances and preventing fires.
Air Conditioner Leaks
If you’ve noticed dark stains on your walls and ceiling, weird smells or unusual humidity, you probably have an air conditioning leak. Here are some possible causes and steps you can take to fix them.
An AC leak most often comes from the inside unit. The evaporator coil in this part of your system cools the warm air blown over it, but this process also causes condensation to form. This moisture drips from the coil into a drain pan and down a condensate line that flows outside your home. If this line becomes clogged with dirt, dust and other debris, or is otherwise blocked, the water from the drip pan will overflow into your home.
Another common culprit for AC leaks is a rusty drain pan. Older units may have a rusty pan that can break or crack over time, causing water to leak out of your unit and into your home.
You can sometimes clear up this problem by pouring a solution of equal parts bleach and water into your drain line to kill microbes that build up over time. However, you should have your system professionally inspected and maintained at least once per year to prevent these problems in the first place. This can also help you catch issues like a clogged condensate line or broken float switch before they cause a major leak.