Find Air Leaks In Attic

Know where common attic air leaks are located.

Find air leaks in attic.

Each of these cutouts is a likely air leak. In most homes however the most significant air leaks are hidden in the attic and basement. Use this map from energy star to learn where typical air leaks holes and gaps are located in the home. While most of the air leaks in your attic are probably covered up by insulation you can detect these air leaks by looking for patches of dirty or dark insulation.

From the attic side of your ceiling find the fixtures you noted. But locating leaks can be difficult because they are often hidden under your insulation. Common attic air leaks include. And just as you can feel the air from a leaky balloon you ll be able to confirm leaks in the attic by feeling the draft with your hand.

The dirt comes from dusty air leaking into your attic. Gather your supplies and suit up. You ll have to pull back existing insulation to find them. Step only on the joists or lay plywood across the.

You may even be able to locate bypasses visually by looking for insulation being blown about. Most air leaks can be found around light fixtures plumbing pipes ventilation rafters chimneys and other areas. Sealing the ducts is easy once you find the leaks. Electrical connections for fixtures fans and outlets require a hole cutout in your ceiling drywall.

Turn on your heat or air conditioning system so it s constantly blowing. Close the attic access door or hatch behind you to maximize the effect. Climb into your attic. These are the leaks that significantly raise your energy bill and make your house uncomfortable.