Your Home Is Losing 40% Of Its Energy – Here’s What’s Causing It

October 3rd, 2024

If you’re wondering why your energy bills are skyrocketing, the culprit is likely something you can’t even see: air leakage. In fact, your home could be losing up to 40% of its energy simply because of gaps and cracks that let heated or cooled air escape.

But what exactly is air leakage, and why is it costing you so much? Let’s dive into the problem and explore what you can do to stop it.

What Is Air Leakage?

Air leakage occurs when outside air enters your home and inside air escapes through unintended openings or gaps. These can be found around windows, doors, electrical outlets, light fixtures, attic hatches, and any other areas that haven’t been properly sealed.

This may not seem like a big deal, but when warm air escapes in the winter and cool air leaks out in the summer, your heating and cooling systems work overtime to keep up. That’s where your high energy bills come in.

"Yikes! Look at this heating bill! – Air leakage represents 25 to 40 percent of the heat lost from an older home. This costs you hundreds of dollars per year whether you heat with natural gas, oil or electricity. Eliminating air-leakage problems with a professional air-sealing job is usually the single most cost-effective repair you can make to an older home." - Natural Resources Canada

Why Is Air Leakage So Costly?

The main reason air leakage has such a big impact on energy costs is that it undermines your home’s insulation and climate control systems. Instead of working efficiently, your HVAC system has to run longer and harder to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Here’s how air leakage impacts your home:

Windows and doors: Gaps around frames or poorly sealed windows and doors are prime spots for air to enter or escape.
Attics and basements: These areas often have cracks or gaps around wiring, plumbing, or ductwork that allow air to pass through.
Electrical outlets and light fixtures: Often overlooked, these small gaps in walls and ceilings can be a major source of air leakage.
Fireplaces and chimneys: While great for heat, these openings can also let warm air escape when not properly sealed.

The Cost of Air Leakage: Real Numbers

Air leakage isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about dollars. Natural Resources Canada estimates that up to 40% of the heat in older homes can be lost due to air leakage. That translates into hundreds of dollars per year in unnecessary heating costs. This happens whether you heat your home with natural gas, oil, or electricity.

Steps to Keep Condensation Out:

Higher heating and cooling bills: On average, homeowners can save 15-30% on energy bills by properly sealing their homes and insulating against air leaks.
More wear and tear on HVAC systems: Your heating and cooling units have to work harder to compensate for the lost air, reducing their lifespan and leading to potential costly repairs.

How Spray Foam Insulation Can Stop Air Leakage

One of the most effective solutions for sealing air leaks is closed-cell spray foam insulation. This material expands to fill gaps and cracks, creating a continuous barrier that prevents air from leaking in or out.

Benefits of Closed-Cell Spray Foam:

Air-tight seal: Closed-cell spray foam forms a perfect seal around even the smallest cracks, eliminating air leakage and enhancing energy efficiency.
High R-Value: With a high R-value per inch, spray foam not only seals but also insulates your home, providing two layers of protection against energy loss.
Moisture resistance: Unlike other insulation types, closed-cell foam also acts as a moisture barrier, preventing condensation and mold growth.

Professional Air Sealing: The Smartest Investment for Energy Savings

As highlighted by Natural Resources Canada, eliminating air-leakage problems with a professional air-sealing job is usually the single most cost-effective repair you can make to an older home. A comprehensive sealing and insulation strategy, particularly using high-performance spray foam, can result in significant savings over time.

What Can You Do Now?

If you suspect your home is losing energy due to air leaks, take action by scheduling an energy audit or hiring a professional to assess your home’s insulation and air sealing needs. Tackling these problems now will lead to immediate cost savings and a more comfortable living environment.

At Big Blue Insulation, we specialize in helping homeowners reduce energy loss through expert installation of closed-cell spray foam insulation. Our team can seal your home to ensure that the only air moving through your house is controlled by your heating or cooling system.

Seal The Gaps - Save On Energy

Air leakage is a hidden energy thief, silently inflating your heating and cooling bills and making your home less comfortable. By addressing air leakage with professional sealing solutions like closed-cell spray foam insulation, you can stop up to 40% of energy loss and save hundreds of dollars each year.

Don’t let your home’s energy escape through cracks and gaps. Contact Big Blue Insulation today for a consultation and take the first step toward a more efficient, cost-effective home.