Learn how to seal air leaks in your Cincinnati area home and enjoy a cooler residence during summer heat waves and a warmer home as the seasons change. Sealing air leaks will also help you save money on energy bills and contribute to a greener planet, as your air conditioner won't have to work as hard.

Here are some of the more important points to understand when you want to seal air leaks:

• Airtightness test: Before sealing leaks, test your home for airtightness. Hold a smoke pen or lit incense stick next to doors, windows, electrical outlets and boxes, ceiling fixtures and attic hatches on a windy day. If the smoke streams horizontally, you have a leak that requires sealing with caulk, weatherstripping or other materials. 
• Caulk: Use caulk to seal air leaks around doors and windows, as well as leaks on floors, electrical wiring that comes through walls, ceilings, carpets and around cabinets. Dirty spots on carpeting and ceilings usually indicate interior leaks around floor and wall joists and ceiling joints. 
• Foam gaskets: Place foam gaskets behind switch plates and outlets on walls to prevent leaks. 
• Low-expansion spray foam: Use this foam to seal leaks around insulation, which will also help prevent mold growth. If leaks and mold are excessive, you might need to install house flashing. 
• Storm windows: Install storm windows to cover single-pane windows or replace them with double-pane windows, which are more efficient.
• Foam sealant: Apply foam sealant to large air leaks, such as those around baseboards and sizable window gaps. 
• Exhaust fan cover: Cover your kitchen exhaust fan unless you're cooking or baking. 
• Sealing gaskets: Use these pliable gaskets to replace door bottoms and thresholds as needed. 
• Flue damper: Ensure your fireplace flue damper is shut tightly unless you're building a fire. Seal air leaks around your chimney and other heat sources including the furnace and gas-fired water heater. Use sheet rock and furnace cement caulk as they are fire-resistant.

For more expert advice on how to seal air leaks, or any other issues relating to home comfort, contact the experts at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the greater Cincinnati area.

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