Seal the Leaks Draining Your Wallet: Air Fixes That Can Cut Your Heating Bills

If you’ve noticed that your heating bills have skyrocketed, you’re not alone.

This is a common winter issue for many homeowners with hidden air leaks. 

“Leaks are exactly what they sound like—cracks, gaps, or holes that allow the conditioned air in your home to escape, or unconditioned air from outside to enter. In an average home, leaks account for roughly a third of the heating bill,” says Dan Cronen, HVAC Expert at SupplyHouse.com. 

Fortunately, you can take steps to seal the leaks in your home and lower your heating bills this winter season and beyond. 

While some fixes require a pro, others are DIY-friendly and may be completed with a bit of knowledge and basic materials. 

Where do leaks hide?

Air leaks are often found in places that rarely receive a second glance. 

“Some of the most common locations include the attic hatch, recessed lighting fixtures, plumbing and wiring penetration points, and the seam areas between the ceiling and walls near the top of the home,” explains Ethan Heine, president and CEO of Suntrek Solar in Irvine, CA.

They may also pop up in gaps beneath exterior doors, baseboards on the exterior wall surfaces of your home, and the areas surrounding electrical outlets and switches. 

Additionally, if your ductwork is running through your attic, basement, or crawl space, you likely have leaks occurring at each joint in those areas.

“In this case, the warmed air you are paying to be delivered to your living areas is instead being sent into non-living areas of your home,” says Heine.

Signs your home is losing heat

The good news is it’s pretty easy to spot signs of heat loss due to hidden leaks. Here are some telltale signs:

Drafts near gaps

Stand near a window or door.

“If you feel moving air, that's not normal and a sign that warm air is leaking,” says Scott Levene, vice president of Levco in Trumbull, CT.

Higher bills 

If your bills are much higher than they used to be or even higher than your neighbors’ bills, even though they live in a similar-sized house, there’s a good sign heat loss is an issue.

Inconsistent temperatures 

“A room that is noticeably colder or warmer than the other one in your house is a sign you’re losing heat,” explains Levene. Temperatures shouldn’t be all over the place.

Inability to maintain temperature 

If your heater is already running non-stop, but you still can't get your desired temps, you’re losing more heat than the system can make.

Proven strategies to improve heating efficiency 

It’s not difficult or expensive to seal the leaks in your home and, in turn, enjoy a more comfortable space while saving on heating bills. 

“Use door sweep, weatherstripping, and caulking on the gaps around windows and doors. They’re cheap and work wonders,” says Levene.

Spray foam and caulking also works on the basement and attic. They could be especially helpful around pipes, ducts, and electrical routes. It’s also a good idea to add insulation to your home if necessary. 

“Supporting these efforts with sensible thermostat scheduling and routine system maintenance will also help to optimize your heating efficiency,” adds Heine.

If you initially had a significant amount of air leaks within your home, Heine notes that a thorough air-sealing program may reduce annual heating costs by approximately 5% to 15%. 

“This can equate to real cost savings if you live in a colder climate and doesn’t require extensive remodeling efforts,” says Heine.