Air Sealing is one of the most significant energy efficiency improvements you can make to your home. Air sealing will not just reduce energy costs; it will also improve your home's comfort. The recommended strategy in both new and old homes is to reduce air leakage as much as possible and to provide controlled ventilation as needed.
Air leakage, or infiltration, occurs when outside air enters a house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. Properly air sealing such cracks and openings in your home can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, improve building durability, and create a healthier indoor environment.
It is unwise to rely on air leakage for Ventilation because it can't be controlled. During cold or windy weather, too much air may enter the house. When it's warmer and less windy, not enough air may enter. Air infiltration also can contribute to problems with Moisture Control. Moldy and dusty air can enter a leaky house through such areas as attics or foundations. This air in the house could cause health problems.
On the average homes have an average of close to 2-air changes per-hour. Meaning all of the air you have paid to heat or cool is sucked out of your home 2-times per every hour of the day and night. This sucked out air is then constantly being replaced by unwanted sometimes dirty air from your crawl space, attic are wall cavities and the outside. The goal is to air seal a house in order to achieve 0.5 air change per hour tested and verified by the Blower Door Test
