As the colder weather sets and we’re slowly turning on our furnaces and indoor fireplaces, homeowners in cold climate areas like Ottawa and Gatineau should pay attention to problem areas in their homes that are conducive to cold air infiltration. These cold spots in our homes are not only letting cold air from outside to come in, they’re allowing precious heat to escape as well resulting in a double hit to your heating costs and your comfort.
- Not sure what to do about cold drafts in your home?
- Wondering why your heating costs are higher than they should be?
- Can’t quite seem to keep certain rooms or spaces warm in your home?
In this article, the renovation specialists at Renovaction in Ottawa share their insights about the areas in homes that are the most conducive to cold air infiltration. Should you notice any of these signs and want to take the necessary steps to block the gaps and retain heat in your home this winter, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to answer your questions and provide you with some solutions to consider.
How to find air leaks in your home
Air leaks occur where there is a hole in the building envelope creating a pressure difference. In the winter, the stack effect means that air flow in the house will be like a chimney with air entering at lower levels and exiting at the upper levels and the ceiling. This can commonly make us mistakenly believe that our air leaks are primarily in the basement and lower levels – breaches in your homes envelope can be, and often are, located throughout all levels of a home.
A simple way to look for leaks in your home that are allowing air to flow in and out (both directions are bad in this case) simply light some incense sticks and do a thorough walk through of your home while holding the sticks close to the walls, windows, vents and ceiling to observe where the smoke is drawn to. A low leak will cause the smoke to trail away or towards the leak, and more powerful leaks can cause the smoke to disperse, leaving the tips of the incense to glow. Insider tip: cold windy days are the best for this type of DIY leak detector test.
Common places for cold air leaks in your home
Cold air can infiltrate your home through numerous leaks on any level throughout your home. From the tip of your roof and chimney, to the floor drain in the basement, and everything in between including exhaust fans and light switches, any time your home’s envelope is interrupted with a joint or puncture there is a risk that improper sealing has created an opportunity for heat to escape and cold air to enter.
Without a doubt, windows and roofs are the prime culprits when it comes to air leaks in a home and although it leaves homeowners with a sense of accomplishment when they discover an electrical outlet on an exterior wall that is sucking out air when tested with incense (see above) or you change the weather stripping around your garage door, these leaks are likely minor compared to the potential heat loss due to faulty windows and roofs. Don’t get us wrong, these small initiatives can add up to some heat retention and utility savings, but to really get it right, don’t forget to maintain and re-invest in the items that will have the most impact in stopping cold air from infiltrating our homes.
Windows – check glazing for tightness, inspect window casings (interior and exterior), trim and window covering fixtures including rails, rods and sash hardware.
Ceiling – check joints between ceiling and walls, around light fixtures
Roof – check for missing or damaged shingles, joints, junctions, chimneys
Walls – check for leaks in corners, along trim and baseboards, where masonry meets foundation in the basement, and for any cracks or gaps in drywall or plaster
Doors – check the threshold and frame including weather stripping
Outlets and switches – pay special attention to electrical outlets on exterior walls
Exhaust fans and vents – ensure a flush close when not in use
If you think that your home has possible air leaks and that you’re wasting heat this winter, reach out to the professionals at Renovaction. We’d be happy to help you identify your cold spots and point you towards a solution to stop the gap. Servicing the Ottawa and Gatineau areas, we specialize in windows and roofs to help you keep the heat in and the cold out!
