Homeowners in the Oakland, El Cerrito and Berkeley areas who have ever felt a draft come through a wall or window knows just how annoying this problem can be. Drafty rooms tend to present themselves especially during the cooler months of the year when the winds are blowing, and they’re responsible for far more than just discomfort—drafts may be costing you a small fortune without you even knowing it.
So, what’s the solution to the all too real problem of drafty homes? Seal the leaks!
The Origin of Drafts
Many people find themselves frustrated, attempting to figure out what’s causing a draft to occur in a home, but it’s really quite simple. The vast majority of homes throughout the United States are riddled with tiny cracks and gaps, many of which are so small they can’t even be seen with the naked eye.
That being said, these seemingly innocuous cracks and gaps allow air to leak into the home through windows, doors and even walls. As the cold air from outside enters your home, warm air leaves via unwanted air exchange. The most significant leaks are typically found in the attic, although they can be found almost anywhere.
How To Stop Drafts
Once you’ve identified the fact that you have cold rooms on your hands, you’ve already won half the battle. The other side of the coin that you simply cannot afford to ignore is air sealing. Air sealing is the process of closing off cracks and gaps that allow unwanted airflow to occur, thus ensuring that your inside, conditioned air stays where it belongs.
The benefits of air sealing include:
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduced energy costs
- A more comfortable home environment
- No more drafts!
Air sealing isn’t just some small tip that might improve home performance—it can be an absolute game-changer in many homes.
Additional Ideas For Getting Rid of Drafty Rooms
There are a small handful of other things that need to be taken into consideration for those who are trying to keep drafts at bay. Take insulation, for example; if air sealing is like a windbreaker around your home, insulation is the middle sweater layer that keeps you warm through the entire winter. Boosting insulation is a great way to reduce the occurrence of drafts, as is installing mini-split heat pumps to warm areas that tend to be particularly drafty. Mini-split heating systems are ductless, which means they can be installed anywhere—even in areas where ductwork is nonexistent.
