Derek ColeGM, Simmons One Hour Heating & Air · AI HVAC Answers

What is the best way to check for air leaks?

26 Aug 2015 · 2 min

Watch on YouTube

2:00

In this Ask Derek Cole segment, a homeowner asks how to check for air leaks after installing new windows in a 50‑year‑old house. Derek explains that older homes are generally less airtight and recommends a professional blower‑door test, which pressurizes the house and is followed by a smoke‑gun inspection to locate leaks. He highlights typical problem areas such as the caulking around new windows, can‑light housings, electrical receptacles and switches, and plumbing penetrations under or beside the house. Derek also points listeners to his written articles on insulating and sealing air leaks, suggesting a LinkedIn search for his name to find detailed guidance. The overall message encourages the homeowner to pursue a blower‑door test, seal identified leaks, and consult his resources for further insulation improvements.

Chapters

What is the best way to check for air leaks to the outside? I just got new windows installed in a 50-year-old home.
So you got an older house and new windows, so that's good. The situation you run into with older homes compared to newer homes is that older homes were not made as tight, energy efficient as today's houses are. So they do have a test called a blower door test, and literally it's a blower door that puts pressure in your home, and then they go by with a smoke gun, is what they call it, and they check everything to see where the air leaks are going. So you can have a blower door test performed on your house, but some common areas I look for Can lightings with the new windows, make sure they're caulk sealed properly. Also check receptacles, light switches. Those are big, big problems. Also plumbing. I mean, you got the plumbing exposures coming under the house or on the side of the house. Just make sure all those are sealed as well. Again, I think I saw an article on LinkedIn or somebody wrote about air leaks. I'm not sure who it was. Anyway, check it out. Check it out. Search LinkedIn. Actually, if you want to search Derek Cole, you'll probably find a whole article on insulating air leaks. I'm not sure. He writes a few articles, so check it out. Yeah, so that's where we're starting. But hey, older houses, upgrading windows, cool. Check insulation, windows, doors. All the, all the big things. So yeah, you're on the— you are on the right path. You ask your comfort and energy questions and they get answered. This is the Ask Derrick Cole Show.