Drafty windows and doors, gaps around plumbing and loose heating ducts are all places where heated (or cooled) air can escape. Many air sealing steps can be simple do-it-yourself projects. Or, you might consider hiring a contractor to conduct a blower-door test to find and fix leaks. Energy Trust cash-back incentives are available for air sealing projects.

How to stop the leaks
Seal and insulate heating ducts.
Leaky ducts in your attic, basement or crawlspace can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Seal joints with duct mastic (duct tape won’t do it!). Remember the joints where the ducts meet floor registers and cold-air returns. Wear disposable gloves to spread on this sealant — it sort of feels like peanut butter but dries hard. If you have a mobile home, it’s especially critical to examine and fix any duct problems. Many mobile homes have leaky ductwork that can reduce heating efficiency by nearly one-third. Often the ducts in mobile homes are sealed with adhesive-backed metal tape and the durability may be questionable. Apply mastic instead.

Caulk and weatherstrip.
Seal gaps around windows and doors eliminate air leaks and prevent drafts. (Use caulk on non-moving parts only.) Replace weatherstripping as it fails. You’ll quickly recoup the cost of materials through energy savings.

Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors.

Use caulk or expanding spray foam.
These products insulate where plumbing, wiring, vents and ducting penetrates through walls.

Look for hidden air leaks.
Pocket doors, panned joists, chimney chases, dropped kitchen ceilings, canned lights, valances and other spots are all potential spots for air leaks. Caulk around seams.

Lock down the chimney.
You can lose a lot of your home’s heated or cooled air right up the chimney. When your fireplace is not in use, close the damper. Consider a plastic, inflatable “pillow” that inserts into the chimney to stop heat from escaping when the fireplace is not in use. (Contact your local fireplace dealer or search online.)

Install foam outlet gaskets.
Use these air blockers in electrical outlets and light switches, especially on outside walls. The amount of savings is relatively small, but every kilowatt counts.

Get cash back on qualifying air sealing projects.