Now that air conditioners are becoming more commonplace, you might start to notice some unusual trends. Hypothetically speaking, let’s say you are typically paying $100 a month on energy bills. If you start to see more than a 25% increase, that means there is an air leak or problem within your cooling unit. Here is how you can start to implement changes»

How to Get Started
If you’re going to performing an experiment, you must first eliminate all the variables that can impact results. If you’re conducting an air leak experiment, you need to lock up all areas of your home to give ample results. Here is what you need to do:

Seal the home by locking all windows, doors, skylights, etc.
Close all vents
Turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans
Pass an incense stick along all openings of windows, doors, skylights and outlets. This will pinpoint where air is entering exactly.

How to Detect Window Issues
Windows are a major culprit of air leakage due to faulty frames and non-reinforced caulking. Often times it is something as simple as the window not fitting properly into the frame. Here is how you can inspect:

If you shake the window and hear a rattling noise, that means the window is not secure. Adding caulk can solve this issue most of the time.
If you can see daylight entering the home from the cracks of the window, that means they aren’t reinforced enough.
Make sure the locks on your double hung windows are still secure. Run a knife or thin object along the seal and see if there is any loose or dried caulk in the frame that might prohibit a lock.

Inspecting Your Doors
Doors are all about your own personal maintenance. When your A/C is on, NEVER leave the door open with just a glass or screen protecting it. This is just asking for leakage. Here are some other steps you can take to find door leaks:

Check door frame with knife.
Inspect your weatherstripping for peels.
Make sure hinges remain tight.

Detecting Skylight Leaks
This last one is going to require you to get up on the roof. If you’re not capable, don’t try to out-do yourself, just ask for help!

If you notice brown stains under a wall or skylight, this is a tell tale sign that water is seeping in. And if water is seeping in, air is sure to follow!
Climb up on the roof and see if there are open seams between shingles and the frame.
Shingle debris
Failed or cracked leak protection from the last time you tried to fix this issue.

If you would like us to test for leaks or repair faulty cooling equipment, don’t hesitate to go with the best. Please call Levine & Sons at 1-888-LEVINE1 or click around on our website to learn more about our service!