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Air Sealing

In building science terms, the "building envelope" is the barrier between you and the elements.  Ideally, that building envelope is completely intact and without flaw.

In the real world, every building, including your home, is filled with flaws…

Finding the flaws

Doors and windows are some of the more visible flaws, but there are many more, less obvious flaws.  Everywhere a plumbing pipe or electric cable enter a wall from outside, or above, or below, there’s generally a big hole around it.

There are three main drivers of air leakage in every building.

• Wind – Sometimes obvious, sometimes not so much.
• Stack or chimney effect – As hot air rises, it escapes from holes in the top, drawing air from the bottom.
• Furnaces and HVAC –  The fan in most HVAC systems creates massive pressure imbalances.

Add the sum volume of all the holes, and all the forces acting against them and it’s like leaving a window open all day, everyday, year after year.

How we can help

During our home energy audit, or "Home Performance Checkup®", we depressurize your home to pinpoint the source of the leaks.

When we come back to retrofit the home, we seal those same leaks, dramatically reducing air leakage, improving indoor air quality, and increasing energy efficiency.

A note about sealing homes too tightly

Many people believe that it can be a risky proposition to seal the average American home.  The fact is, most homes built before the 80′s are so leaky, there’s almost no way to ever make them tight enough to become problematic.

There is, however, a risk associated with guessing at the appropriate amount of leakage.

At Conservation Pros, we use a testing device known as a Blower Door to test air leakage.  When we get close to the limits of recommended ventilation, we won’t go any farther without introducing a fresh-air supply.

Don’t take chances with guesses.  Contact Conservation Pros today.