{"id":23428,"date":"2025-12-15T16:07:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-to-air-seal-leaks-in-your-home\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T15:03:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T15:03:54","slug":"how-to-air-seal-leaks-in-your-home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/chariot-university\/how-to-air-seal-leaks-in-your-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Seal Air Leaks in Your Home: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n.chariot-article {\n  max-width: 800px;\n  margin: 0 auto;\n  padding: 40px;\n  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, sans-serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  line-height: 1.8;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h1 {\n  font-size: 2.5em;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  margin: 0 0 30px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article h2 {\n  font-size: 1.8em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n  margin: 50px 0 20px 0;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n  border-bottom: 2px solid #f7931e;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n}\n.chariot-article h3 {\n  font-size: 1.4em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  line-height: 1.4;\n  margin: 40px 0 15px 0;\n  color: #333;\n}\n.chariot-article h4 {\n  font-size: 1.2em;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  margin: 30px 0 10px 0;\n  color: #444;\n}\n.chariot-article p {\n  margin: 0 0 20px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article img {\n  max-width: 100%;\n  height: auto;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  display: block;\n}\n.chariot-article figure {\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article figcaption {\n  font-size: 0.9em;\n  color: #666;\n  text-align: center;\n  margin-top: 10px;\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article ul, .chariot-article ol {\n  margin: 20px 0 20px 30px;\n  padding: 0;\n}\n.chariot-article li {\n  margin-bottom: 12px;\n  line-height: 1.6;\n}\n.chariot-article a {\n  color: #f7931e;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid transparent;\n  transition: border-color 0.2s;\n}\n.chariot-article a:hover {\n  border-bottom-color: #f7931e;\n}\n.chariot-article blockquote {\n  border-left: 4px solid #f7931e;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  padding: 20px 30px;\n  background: #f9f9f9;\n  font-style: italic;\n  color: #555;\n}\n.chariot-article strong {\n  font-weight: 600;\n  color: #1a1a1a;\n}\n.chariot-article em {\n  font-style: italic;\n}\n.chariot-article hr {\n  border: none;\n  border-top: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n  margin: 40px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article table {\n  width: 100%;\n  border-collapse: collapse;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n}\n.chariot-article th, .chariot-article td {\n  padding: 12px 15px;\n  text-align: left;\n  border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\n}\n.chariot-article th {\n  background: #f5f5f5;\n  font-weight: 600;\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .chariot-article {\n    padding: 20px;\n    font-size: 16px;\n  }\n  .chariot-article h1 { font-size: 2em; }\n  .chariot-article h2 { font-size: 1.5em; }\n  .chariot-article h3 { font-size: 1.25em; }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"chariot-article\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" alt=\"Man caulks his windows to air seal and insulate his home\" class=\"wp-image-1502\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/caulking-windows.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This person is using caulk to seal the gap between their home and the window.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>In Texas, our air conditioners use lots of power. In fact, it\u2019s the number one energy-consuming appliance in homes \u2014 not just in Texas \u2014 but across the United States! That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important that your home is as tightly sealed as possible. If you wonder why your electricity bill\u2019s so high or why your air conditioning is always running, then it\u2019s time you should check to see if you have any air leaks in your home.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>With this article, we\u2019ll show you how to find air leaks, seal them properly, and prevent any drafts from happening in the future. Learning how to air seal your house helps reduce unwanted moisture from coming into the house and improves your home\u2019s air quality. This will save you lots of money on your energy bill and make your home more energy-efficient.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s an Air Leak?<\/h2>\n<p>This question might seem obvious, but an <strong>air leak<\/strong> is any spot in your house that lets air in or out that shouldn\u2019t. For example, your windows are meant to be opened so they provide natural ventilation for your home. However, they\u2019re not meant to let the hot air in and cold air out during the summer or let the cold air in and warm air out during the winter when they\u2019re closed. That\u2019s when it becomes air leakage instead of natural ventilation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Air leaks are also pretty elusive. They can occur anywhere there\u2019s an opening, such as around recessed lighting or small cracks in the brick exterior. Compared to water leaks, air leaks are also more difficult to find and almost impossible to see. But air leaks are easier to spot than you think, and there are several ways you can do it without additional costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Find Air Leaks in Your Home<\/h2>\n<p>Detecting an air leak in your home is a type of <strong>energy audit<\/strong>, an inspection of your home\u2019s energy efficiency. There are two kinds of energy audits:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do-it-yourself energy audit<\/li>\n<li>A professional home audit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A professional energy auditor will inspect your home with tools such as a thermal imaging camera and door blower. These devices can detect the smallest of air leaks that are invisible to the naked eye. But they also cost money, which is the opposite of what you\u2019re trying to accomplish by sealing these drafts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>With a DIY energy audit, you might not get as thorough of an inspection, but it\u2019s still a great way to spot big drafts, poorly insulated hot water heaters, and old weatherstripping in your home. After this at-home energy audit, you\u2019ll have a much better idea of the steps you should take in your home if you really want to lower your electricity bill.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Start with a Visual Inspection<\/h3>\n<p>First and foremost, look around! Pay close attention to the junction points of two materials, such as where your front door meets the wall. If you can see any light coming through, the weatherstripping needs replacing. Other common areas where air may be leaking out or in include:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wiring holes<\/li>\n<li>Windows<\/li>\n<li>Sliding doors<\/li>\n<li>Where the chimney meets the ceiling<\/li>\n<li>Plumbing holes<\/li>\n<li>Electrical outlets<\/li>\n<li>Openings in exterior walls<\/li>\n<li>Cracks where the foundation meets the exterior siding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other ways to detect an air leak<\/h3>\n<p>While you can\u2019t see an air leak, you can feel it. Here are several methods to help you determine whether those common areas above are truly leaking or not.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Light a candle, and hold it in front of the common leak sites we listed earlier. Hold the candlestick really still, and if the flame moves, then you have an air leak. It\u2019s an indication that air is either escaping or entering your home through that spot.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Wet your hands with water and hold them next to a potential leak site. If your hand feels cool \u2014 as if you were\u00a0 applying hand sanitizer \u2014 it means there\u2019s an air leak. The moving air is brushing your hand and evaporating the water.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>At night, have one person stand inside the house, while the other person stands outside with a flashlight. Have the outside person shine a light on any alleged air leak site, and if the light shines through, even just a little bit, then you have a leak. It means the weatherstripping needs to be replaced, or the crack needs to be caulked.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Now that you know how to detect most air leaks, let\u2019s talk about fixing them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3571\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/weatherstripping-windows-1.jpg\" width=\"1920\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Weatherstripping is used for moving parts in your home like windows.<\/figcaption><\/img><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Fix the Air Leaks in Your Home<\/h2>\n<p>There are two primary ways to correct any air leaks you might find when doing your DIY home energy audit: caulking and weatherstripping. Both solutions are situation-specific, but it\u2019s also a home improvement project that the average homeowner should be able to accomplish without much outside help.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Caulking is for Cracks<\/h3>\n<p>Caulk is an umbrella term to describe the many types of sealants used to close the gap between two materials. There are so many types of caulk, from more familiar latex and silicone caulk to the cool-looking expanding spray foam that\u2019s used for larger cracks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To learn the correct type of caulk to use for a given situation, we recommend that you follow the helpful advice in this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lowes.com\/n\/buying-guide\/caulk-buying-guide\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">nifty guide<\/a>. The important thing to remember is caulk should only be used for immobile parts and materials. We don\u2019t recommend caulking something that moves, like windows and doors. Instead, you should use weatherstripping.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weatherstripping is for Windows and Doors<\/h3>\n<p>While stuffing the newspaper in between window frames can help stop them from leaking air, weatherstripping is much more effective and nearly as low-cost. Unlike newsprint, these materials are specifically made to seal air leaks around your home , making it one of the more affordable and easier ways for you to save money.<\/p>\n<p>Again, we defer to home improvement experts to help you determine <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lowes.com\/n\/how-to\/weather-strip-your-doors\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the right weatherstripping for your windows and doors<\/a>. In general, replacing the rubber sealants around your door or the felt in your window sashes can save you 10%\u201320% on your home heating and cooling costs.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Situations That Require Air Sealing Materials<\/h2>\n<p>There are more openings in your home than just your windows and doors. There\u2019s also the attic and the chimney to think about, too! However, those sealants aren\u2019t as common as caulking or weatherstripping, so we decided to discuss them separately as a third category of miscellaneous sealants.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attic Box<\/h3>\n<p>While weatherstripping can be used to seal your attic, the most effective and energy-efficient options is an attic box. This is an extra piece of insulation covering your attic hatch that you can remove if you ever need to go up there.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>You can build one or buy one premade. They might be a little expensive, but since your attic can actually be one of the biggest openings for air leaks in your home, we believe\u00a0 it\u2019s better to be sealed than sorry.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chimney Balloon<\/h3>\n<p>Your fireplace is one of the few openings in your home you can\u2019t really use weatherstripping or caulk to correct an air seal. Hence, most homeowners use an inflatable chimney balloon to cover their fireplace opening. It\u2019s a plastic balloon that inflates to seal the opening of your fireplace during the summer when it isn\u2019t in use.<\/p>\n<p>In the winter, you can either deflate the balloon or, if you forget it\u2019s in there, it will automatically deflate the first time the fireplace is used because it\u2019s often heat-sensitive.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next Steps to Properly Air Seal Your Home<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re an energy-saving fanatic like we are (or if you just want someone else to do all of this for you), then definitely go forward with a full-on professional audit. Besides, getting on your hands and knees to shine a light through cracks in your window isn\u2019t necessarily what we\u2019d call \u201cfun.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re still not seeing the energy savings you want after an audit and air sealing, then there\u2019s likely another cause for your high energy usage. For more information on saving money on electricity in your home, visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/blog\/energy-saving-tips\/\">energy saving page<\/a>, where we\u2019ve gathered all of our tips, free of charge for everyone to use!\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to seal air leaks in your home so you can lower the amount of energy it takes to heat and cool your home, saving money on your electricity bill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":23526,"parent":627,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23428","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23428"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23428\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chariotenergy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}