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Basic Concepts

Air Sealing Part of North Carolina Cooperative Extension E-Conservation Home Energy Management Series. Basic Concepts. Identify where air leakage occurs in the home Types of materials used to stop air leakage. Two conditions needed for air leakage: A hole Driving force across the hole.

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Basic Concepts

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  1. Air SealingPart of North Carolina Cooperative Extension E-Conservation Home Energy Management Series

  2. Basic Concepts • Identify where air leakage occurs in the home • Types of materials used to stop air leakage

  3. Two conditions needed for air leakage: A hole Driving force across the hole AIR

  4. Lots Of Driving Forces humidity heat wind heat Fans Stack Effect humidity rain radon water Image courtesy of Southface Institute

  5. Driving forces move air in predictable directions Less Pressure Moisture Hot More Pressure Moisture Hot

  6. You can’t do anything about driving forces, so seal the holes! AIR

  7. Air seeks the path of least resistance. Air will choose the largest available path.

  8. Ducts Fireplaces Plumbing penetrations Doors Windows Fans and vents Electrical outlets Floors, walls and ceilings Where is air leakage greatest in the home?

  9. Air Leakage

  10. Big Holes Chases Access panels Dropped ceilings Ceiling fixtures Window openings Sill plates Vents Plumbing penetrations Door openings Ducts

  11. Air Leakage Results In: • Wasted energy • Stack effect • Drafts • Discomfort

  12. Floors and Ceilings

  13. Stopping the Leaks! • Start at the top • Seal and insulate duct work • Seal low spots • Provide combustion air for combustion appliances • Use caulk, foam or weatherstripping

  14. Caulk

  15. Foam

  16. Weatherstripping

  17. Weatherstripping Doors

  18. Outlets and Switches

  19. What Caulking to Use?

  20. What Kind of Weatherstripping?

  21. Chimneys

  22. Storm Windows

  23. Key Points: • Air leakage results = energy loss and discomfort • Seal air leaks at top first, then lower and be mindful of combustion equipment • Cauling, foam and weatherstipping can be used to seal air leaks

  24. For More Information Major Resources: http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/ http://www.energystar.gov/homes

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