Air sealing is an extremely important component of energy efficiency. The process involves identifying openings in the air barrier of the home, and then properly sealing them. When we discuss an air barrier, we are referring to the “building envelope” - a boundary between conditioned space and unconditioned space. The tighter the envelope, the less air is leaking in and out of your home. Generally, the air barriers in a home are the exterior walls, the attic floor, and the ceiling of the basement or crawl space. These are the locations which contain unintended pathways for air infiltration and exfiltration. Some examples are plumbing and electrical penetrations, unsealed recessed/canned lights, open chase ways, open bottom and top plates, and band (or "rim") joists.

Air Sealing: A Key to Energy Efficiency

Air sealing is the process of identifying and sealing air leaks in a home or business's building envelope. The building envelope is the barrier between the conditioned (heated or cooled) space inside the home and the unconditioned space outside the home. Air leaks can allow conditioned air to escape, which can increase energy bills and make the home less comfortable.

There are many places where air leaks can occur in a home, including:

Around windows and doors
Around electrical outlets and switches
Around plumbing pipes and vents
In the attic and crawlspace
In the foundation

Air sealing can be done by a professional or by the homeowner. If you are a homeowner, there are a few things you can do to air seal your home:

Look for visible gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Seal these gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
Check for gaps around electrical outlets and switches. Seal these gaps with caulk or putty.
Seal any penetrations in the building envelope, such as plumbing pipes and vents. Use caulk or mastic to seal these penetrations.
Install insulation in the attic and crawlspace to help prevent air leaks.

Air sealing is an important part of improving the energy efficiency of your home. By sealing air leaks, you can reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

Here are some of the benefits of air sealing:

Reduced energy bills: Air sealing can help reduce your energy bills by up to 20%. This is because less conditioned air will escape from your home, so your HVAC system will not have to work as hard to heat or cool your home.
Improved comfort: Air sealing can help improve the comfort of your home by reducing drafts and cold spots. This is because less conditioned air will escape from your home, so the temperature inside your home will be more consistent.
Increased indoor air quality: Air sealing can help improve the indoor air quality of your home by reducing the amount of outside air that enters your home. This is important because outside air can contain pollutants and allergens that can irritate your respiratory system.
Increased home value: Air sealing can increase the value of your home by making it more energy efficient and comfortable. This is because buyers are willing to pay more for homes that are energy efficient and comfortable.

If you are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, air sealing is a great place to start. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to make a big difference.

Contact Eco Three for Air Sealing Services

Eco Three is an air sealing contractor in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. We offer a variety of air sealing services, including:

Blower door testing: This test is used to identify air leaks in your home.
Air sealing: We use a variety of methods to seal air leaks in your home, including caulking, weatherstripping, and insulation.
Energy audits: We can provide you with an energy audit of your home to identify areas where you can improve your energy efficiency.