Air Leaks

Air Leaks

Try This Quick Test for Air Leaks
Among the quickest routes for heated air to escape from your nice, warm home during the winter are the same ones where cold air finds its way in: through windows and doors. Air leaks are a waste of energy, and they can occur around windows and their frames and even right through the glass.

To find leaks, try this test: On a windy day, light a stick of incense and hold it next to a window. If the smoke travels horizontally, you've found a leak. You can use the same test to find leaks around doors, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets and other potential escape routes for heated air.

Once you find a leak around a window or a door:

• Caulk and weather-strip. Caulk is an airtight filler for cracks and holes. Weather-stripping takes the form of a narrow piece of foam, metal, vinyl, rubber or felt that seals window joints between the sash and frame, but doesn't interfere with opening and closing the window.
• If you have single-pane windows, install storm windows over them.
• As an alternative, tightly tape clear plastic film to the inside of the window frames when it's cold.
• Replace your curtains with insulating shades, shutters or drapes. Taking a few steps to make windows and doors more energy efficient will also make your home more comfortable. And it could save you some money on your electric bill, too.