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AIR Leakage |
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| Written by Terry Fulljames |
| Monday, 09 November 2009 09:25 |
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After conducting literally thousands of energy evaluation / audits, one the most surprising topics when air testing a home is air leakage. This is also the most affordable upgrade, often it is just knowing where to look. Most homes built prior to 1990 have significant air leakage issues and corrections to air leakage give you the biggest bang for the buck.
As indicated in the diagram, when I get high air leakage numbers with our air testing equipment, the first place I check is the utility / furnace room. Often these unfinished areas, will have accessible items such as the chimney chase, plumbing stacks or low efficiency appliances. As is in many homes the furnace and chimney allow precious heat to escape into the attic. One easy way to see heat loss into the attic is to review the roofing materials on a frosty morning. If you have ice or icicles forming at the eves or edge of your roof it is a clear indication improvements are needed. “Keeping the Heat In” has an excellent section on section on attic draft proofing. Otherwise if you are interested in having an eye opening air test done on your home visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca the cost is about $150. in most areas. Check out the next issue when we cover “Little known draft proofing tips & tricks” Subscribe to our monthly blog Terry Fulljames Home Builder Building Inspector Energy Advisor
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