Seal Air Leaks at Home

Why Seal Air Leaks?

Air leaks in your home’s walls, ceiling, doors, windows, and floors can lead to higher energy bills and less comfort. Keep warm air inside in the winter and prevent heat from invading your cool, conditioned space in the summer.

According to EnergyStar, properly sealing and insulating your home can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 20% or cut total annual energy expenses by up to 10%. Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or working with a contractor, sealing air leaks is one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy.

Where to Look for Air Leaks

Look for hidden leaks that may be wasting energy in some of the most common problem areas. 
  • Doors and windows: Gaps around the frames, sashes and thresholds
  • Attics and ceilings: Gaps around recessed lighting, attic hatches, and vents
  • Walls and baseboards: Small cracks around outlets, pipes, and cable openings
  • Floors and crawlspaces: Openings where plumbing, ductwork, or electrical wiring enters

How to Seal Air Leaks

There are many products available to help seal the air leaks in your home and it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here are some recommendations:
a person applies weather stripping to seal a gap in a window

Weather Stripping

For Doors and Windows

  • Use stick-on weather stripping to seal gaps between window and door frames.
  • For gaps at the bottom of doors, consider installing a new threshold with weather stripping to create a better seal.
  • Closed-cell foam is denser and more durable than open-cell foam. It’s particularly useful for attic and crawlspace hatches.
  • V-channel weather stripping is made of polypropylene with an adhesive back and is a great choice for sealing tight spaces in doors and windows. It folds in the middle, creating an effective air seal. 
A person applies silicone caulk to seal a window frame

Caulking

For Small Cracks and Holes

Silicone caulk is the most durable but cannot be painted. Urethane/latex caulks are paintable, but not as durable. Choose a long-lasting caulk that best suits your needs—many options come in clear, white, or other common colors.
Backer rod material in its packaging

Backer Rod & Caulk

For Larger Cracks Up to ¾ Inch

Backer rod is a foam rope that comes in different diameters. Choose one slightly larger than the crack, push it into the opening, then apply caulk over it. This method reduces caulk usage and prevents shrinking and cracking.
a person wears a glove and sprays foam into a crack along a wall in their house

Spray Foam

For Large Gaps & Hidden Openings

For larger gaps in non-visible areas, spray foam may be a better option. Use a low-expanding foam and cover it if exposed to sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the material.
Packaging for a window insulation kit

Window Insulation Kits

For Single-Pane Windows and Patio Doors

If you have single-pane windows or patio doors, try using an insulation kit in the winter months. These kits include clear plastic sheets with adhesive edges. Simply apply the plastic around the frame and use a hair dryer to shrink it, creating a temporary storm window that improves insulation. Just remember to remove the plastic for summer!
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