Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Showrooms Online

Air Sealing to Save Energy

Air sealing is an essential step when retrofitting your home. Best practice standards exceed the mandatory requirements of current building codes. The higher goal to strive for is Step 5 of the BC Step Code or a level that would be required when building a net zero or a passive energy home.

air sealing to save energy
Image by withplex from Pixabay

Air Sealing Explained

Residential Air Sealing: A Key Component of Home Renovations

Air sealing is a critical component of residential construction that is often overlooked. A home that is not properly air-sealed can be drafty, uncomfortable, and inefficient, leading to higher energy bills and reduced indoor air quality. In this blog, we will explore the importance of air sealing in both existing residential homes and custom builds. We will discuss what air sealing is, why it is important, and how it can be achieved effectively.

What is Residential Air Sealing

Residential air sealing involves identifying and sealing any air leaks in a home’s envelope. The envelope is the physical boundary that separates the indoor and outdoor environments. It includes the walls, roof, foundation, windows, and doors. Air leaks occur when there are gaps or cracks in the envelope that allow air to flow freely between the indoors and outdoors.

Why is Residential Air Sealing Important?

There are several reasons why residential air sealing is important. Firstly, air leaks lead to energy loss. A home that is not properly air-sealed can lose up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy. This means that homeowners are paying more for energy than they need to, and their homes are not as comfortable as they could be.

Secondly, air leaks can lead to poor indoor air quality. Air leaks can allow pollutants, allergens, and moisture to enter the home, which can cause health problems for occupants. Proper air sealing can help improve indoor air quality by keeping pollutants and allergens out.

Thirdly, air sealing can help improve the durability of a home. Air leaks can allow moisture to enter the home, which can lead to mold growth, rot, and structural damage. By sealing air leaks, homeowners can protect their homes from moisture damage and increase their lifespan.

Lastly, air sealing reduces noise pollution. Air leaks allow outdoor noise to enter the home, making it difficult for homeowners to relax or sleep. Proper air sealing reduces noise pollution and makes the home more comfortable.

How is Residential Air Sealing Achieved?

Residential air sealing is achieved through a variety of methods, including caulking, weatherstripping, and insulation. These methods can be applied to both existing residential homes and custom builds.

Caulking and taping involves sealing gaps and cracks in the envelope with a flexible material such as silicone or latex. Caulking or taping is typically used for smaller gaps and cracks, such as those around windows and doors.

Weatherstripping involves sealing gaps around moving parts, such as doors and windows. Weatherstripping is typically made of a flexible material such as rubber or vinyl and can be easily installed.

Insulation includes filling gaps and cracks with a material such as spray foam. Insulation is typically used for larger gaps and cracks, such as those in the walls, roof, and foundation.

When it comes to achieving effective air sealing, it is important to work with a professional contractor who has experience in this area. A professional contractor can conduct a thorough assessment of the home’s envelope and identify any air leaks that need to be addressed. They can also recommend the best air sealing methods for the home’s specific needs and ensure that the job is done correctly.

Benefits of Proper Air Sealing

Proper residential air sealing can provide a range of benefits for homeowners. These include:

  1. Lower energy bills: By reducing energy loss, homeowners will save money on their heating and cooling bills.
  2. Increased comfort: Proper air sealing can help make the home more comfortable by reducing drafts and keeping the temperature consistent.
  3. Improved indoor air quality: Air sealing will help keep pollutants and allergens out of the home, leading to improved indoor air quality.
  4. Increased durability: By protecting the home from moisture damage, air sealing can increase its lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs.
  1. Reduced noise pollution: Air sealing can help reduce outdoor noise, making the home more peaceful and comfortable.
  2. Enhanced resale value: A home that has been properly air-sealed can be more attractive to potential buyers, as it is more energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthy.

Working with a design-build contractor who has expertise in energy-efficient construction will ensure that the home is properly air-sealed from the start. This will save homeowners money on energy bills in the long run and provide a more comfortable living environment.

In addition to air sealing, other energy-efficient design features can be incorporated into the home, such as high-performance windows, insulation, and balanced ventilation systems. These features work together to create a home that is energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthy.

In existing homes, air sealing is a more complex process, as there may be multiple air leaks that need to be addressed. A professional contractor will conduct a thorough assessment of the home’s envelope and identify any areas that need to be addressed.

Common Areas for Air Sealing

Common areas that may need to be sealed include:

  1. Attic access points: Gaps around attic hatches or pull-down stairs can allow air to escape from the home.
  2. Plumbing and electrical penetrations: Pipes and wires that enter the home create gaps in the envelope that need to be sealed.
  3. Windows and doors: Gaps around windows and doors can allow air to enter and escape from the home.
  4. Chimneys and flues: Gaps around chimneys and flues can allow air to escape from the home.

Residential air sealing is an important consideration for both existing homes and custom builds. Proper air sealing reduces energy loss, improves indoor air quality, increases comfort, and protects the home from moisture damage and noise pollution. Working with a professional contractor who has expertise in air sealing will ensure that the job is done correctly. Homeowners can enjoy the benefits of a well-sealed home for years to come.

Air Sealing for Energy Efficiency a recent blog by Showrooms Online