Is Your Home Comfy Warm Today?
The US EPA says the average home has holes that allow outside air to leak in and that warm air to leak out. Obviously, this is not the way to create a comfy warm space when its frigid cold outside.
Air leakage occurs when outside air enters, and conditioned air leaves your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. It is unwise to rely on air leakage for ventilation. During cold or windy weather, too much air may enter the house. When it's warmer and less windy, not enough air may enter, which can result in poor indoor air quality. Air leakage also contributes to moisture problems that can affect occupants’ health and the structure’s durability. An added benefit is that sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots, improving comfort.
The recommended strategy is to reduce air leakage as much as possible and to provide controlled ventilation as needed. Before air sealing, you should first: detect the air leaks and assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality. Chappel's Home Performance offers blower door testing in DuPage County Illinois to locate and assess that air leakage and help you develop a strategy to make your home cozy warm!