As the warm weather sets in and things really start to heat up, most people want to be sure that their air conditioner is running smoothly. Optimal AC performance can make or break your summer months. That is why it is important to check for air leaks that could be affecting your AC performance. Air leaks can affect AC performance through things like warm air leaking into your home, which can raise your energy bills. Ideally, one of our heating and cooling experts would come to your house to inspect for leaks, but you can also do it yourself. Light an incense stick and walk around your home and anytime the smoke goes sideways, you have discovered a leak.
To learn more or if you think you have discovered an air leak, call our heating & air conditioning team at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis at 314-993-1110.
Typical Areas for Air Leaks Affecting AC Performance
Air leaks that affect your AC performance can occur in many different areas of your house. It is important to check these areas for leaks, as air leaks can drastically influence your energy bills, especially during the summer months. Some very common areas associated with air leaks include:
- Doors and windows
- Electrical switches
- Recessed light fixtures
- Attic doors
- Near your baseboards
It is also vitally important to check your HVAC system’s ductwork for leaks. If your ducts are located in an attic or basement, air leaks can easily go unnoticed until you see an increased energy bill.
Ducts are a common area for AC performance reducing leaks.
How You Can Fix Air Leaks Affecting AC Performance
There are a few things you can do to help mitigate air leaks in your home. Many of the fixes are very simple and can be done on your own. One major element to also consider is your attic insulation. This can have a massive affect on AC Performance as it prevents cool air from escaping.
Here are a few things you can do to fix air leaks that impact your AC performance:
- Add foam gaskets inside switch boxes to keep air out
- Use weather stripping caulk to fix leaks around doors and windows
- Install a door sealing foam to the bottom of exterior doors to prevent air escaping
- Insulate or caulk around wires or cables that run through exterior walls
- Install fire-rated insulated covers for all recessed light fixtures
Optimizing Your AC Performance is Vital for Summer
When it comes to the hot St. Louis summers, having good AC performance is essential. At Galmiche & Sons, we help our customers find and fix air leaks in their homes that can lead to costly energy bills or repairs. In addition to checking for and fixing leaks yourself, we recommend that your schedule an HVAC system inspection with one of our technicians to ensure your system is fully optimized.
If you would like to request a quote or have any questions regarding your heating & air conditioning system, give us a call at 314-993-1110. Our team is standing by to help with your query.
