Air leaks can cause many losses for homeowners who want to optimize their HVAC units and ensure that they get the most out of their units.
- Simple leaks can be the reason why you are paying more on energy bills every month.
Fortunately, it is possible to identify these leaks and fix them without having to pay for the HVAC repair costs that you would incur when you hire a professional HVAC contractor to examine the issue. While ideally having a specialist examine and probably fix the problems is best advised, it is not always necessary if the issue is a minor one. However, to know the extent of the damage, there is a need to troubleshoot first. To determine where the air leak is, a homeowner can use a burning incense to determine the exact location of the leak. This should work, especially when you are considering leaks in the attic. Whenever you get close to the leak, the smoke from the burnt incense will change direction and blow in a different direction. Once this is clear, focus on sealing the leaks. You can use other methods, starting with foil tape and screws. Preferably consider using mastic sealant as this does a better job at sealing any leaks. As a homeowner, you need to understand the possible places that your unit may leak. It is essential to take care of all ductwork leaks to avoid paying too much money for heating and cooling. However, you can get ahead of the issue if you know which places to target for such leaks. Watch out for areas around doors and windows, baseboards, near electric switches, and ner exterior floors and windows. Any place that is likely to open with ease should be your first target.