3 Ways to Uncover Air Leaks in Your Home
Air leaks can stay under the radar unless you do some careful detective work around your home. Take a look at these three techniques that our technicians at Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning recommend for checking your home for air leaks:
1. The Candle Technique
One of the easiest methods for discovering air leaks around your home is by using a candle. To make sure the test is as accurate as possible, turn off your furnace, air conditioner, and any fans before you begin. Next, light a candle and walk around your home, moving the candle near the edges of any exterior facing doors and windows. When the candle flickers or blows out, there’s a draft in that spot.
2. The De-Pressurization Technique
For this test, you’ll need a stick of incense instead of a candle. As with the candle test, you’ll have to turn off your furnace, air conditioner, and any fans before you get started. Next, light up the incense and pass the stick near the seams of doors and windows. Be sure to keep a close eye on the smoke: if it gets blown inward or sucked outward in a particular spot, that’s a sign of an air leak.
3. The Device Method
If you’re looking for a more advanced method aided by technology, you can pick up a leak detector from your local hardware store. One of the benefits of using a device is that it can pick up even minute changes in air pressure from the smallest of leaks. Plus, a convenient indicator light will flash to let you know beyond the shadow of a doubt if there’s a leak or not.
Our heating and cooling experts at Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning know exactly how to keep your HVAC system working at peak performance. Our fully licensed, NATE-certified technicians have provided homeowners throughout Kirkland with the best possible service for over 20 years. We’re specialists in furnace installation, AC replacement, preventative maintenance plans, and repair of furnaces and air conditioners, in addition to fixing your hot water heaters.