The energy efficiency of a home is essential in order to reduce costs and promote sustainability. Air leaks can be a significant cause of energy loss, as they allow warm air to escape from the home during winter months and cool air to escape during summer months.
Knowing the signs that your doors are causing air leaks in your home is key to finding and fixing these problems before they become costly. That’s why the Boise contractor at Pacific Home & Patio would like to discuss the top signs that your doors are letting air out of your home.
By understanding these warning signs, you can take proactive steps to ensure your home remains well-insulated and energy-efficient year-round. Stay tuned for tips on how to determine if your doors are contributing to air leakage in your home.
What is an Air Leak?
An air leak is a gap in the home’s structure that allows air to escape from the interior of the house and enter the outside environment.
These gaps can occur anywhere in a home’s structure, including around windows, doors, or even at electrical outlets. Air leaks are one of the leading causes of energy loss in homes, as they allow warm air to escape during winter months and cool air to escape during summer months.
There’s an Unusual Draft
A surefire sign that your doors are letting air in or out of the home is if there is an unusual draft coming through when they are closed. This can happen if the door seals no longer fit snugly against the frame or if they’re damaged from age and wear.
If you feel a cold breeze or hot air coming from around the door, it’s time to take action. You may need to replace weather stripping or sealants to ensure a tight seal once again. This can help keep energy bills down by reducing drafts and keeping conditioned air inside the home where it belongs.
Additionally, this will improve the comfort level of your house as well as indoor air quality. Take care of any drafts before winter arrives for maximum energy savings.
The Door Swings Open Easily
In addition to drafts, another sign that your door is not properly sealed is if it swings open easily when it should be closed. This can be caused by loose hinges or a warped frame, both of which can cause air to escape around the sides of the door.
Make sure all screws and bolts are tightened so that the door fits securely in its frame. If this does not resolve the issue, then you may need to replace worn weatherstripping or sealants for better protection against air leaks.
You Notice Temperature Fluctuations
If you notice drastic changes in temperature near certain doors of your home, chances are they’re contributing to air leakage. Your front and back doors are especially susceptible to these temperature fluctuations, as they can be exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Inspect your doors for any signs of wear, such as gaps between the door frame and jamb that could be letting in air. If you detect any issues, it’s important to fix them right away before more energy is wasted.
Your Door Jambs Are Warped or Rotting
If your door jambs look warped or have started to rot, this is a sign that air leakage is occurring around your door frames. Warping or rotting can happen due to age or exposure to water from rain, snow, or humidity.
To fix this issue, measure the doorframe and purchase new jamb material from a home improvement store. You may also need to replace weatherstripping or sealants to ensure the door fits tightly against the frame once again.
By understanding these warning signs, you can take proactive steps to make sure your doors are preventing air leakage and keeping energy costs low. Keeping your doors in good condition is essential for maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient home all year round.
Some additional tips for ensuring that your doors are not contributing to air leakage include:
- Inspecting the edges of the door where it meets the frame for any gaps
- Checking the bottom of the door for worn weatherstripping or sealant
- Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient models
- Installing additional insulation to keep air from escaping or entering the home
Contact the Boise Contractor at Pacific Home & Patio
If you’re concerned that your doors are contributing to air leakage in your home, it’s important to inspect them for any signs of damage or wear. Taking proactive steps now can help reduce energy costs and create a more comfortable living space all year round.
For any further assistance, the Boise contractor at Pacific Home & Patio is here to help! We offer door installation and repair services to ensure that your home is sealed tight against unwanted drafts. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 376-0000 for an estimate on our door services.
