Check Your Home for Air Leaks

With the cold Northeast weather descending upon us, I thought it was a good time to talk about how to check your home for air leaks. While most people know that drafts around windows and doors are bad, there are other places you should check that just might surprise you. Here are some of the places you might want to check for air leaks in your home:

• Vents - Heating and plumbing vents are big places where cold air can get in, including the clothes dryer vent to the outside and the exhaust fan from your stove/oven.


• Attic Hatch/Door - We check all doors and windows but forget about the door to the attic.


• Basement - One common place for air to steal its way in and out of your house is where the cement blocks of the exterior walls meet the wood frame of the house.


• Recessed Lights - The box the lights sit in (soffit) typically is not sealed from the outside and doesn't usually fit tight against the wall. Check for gaps and cracks.


• Roofing Nails - Over time, roofing nails become corroded, causing slight holes around the nail. While this doesn't sound like much, think about the fact that there are hundreds of nails used just to nail the shingles on your roof. This means there are hundreds of opportunities for air leaks.

By checking your home for air leaks and sealing them up, you are sure to save money on your heating bills this winter. As always, if you're looking for a home in the Boston Northwest, Cape and Islands area, contact me today!

Marianne Blackstone Tabner, Your Connection to Boston Northwest, Cape and Islands