Air Leak Cost Calculator

How It Works

Air leakage (infiltration) is the uncontrolled flow of outdoor air through cracks, gaps, and holes in your home. In older homes, infiltration can account for 25 to 40 percent of total heating and cooling costs. The biggest leak points are usually attic access hatches, recessed lights penetrating the attic, gaps around plumbing and wiring penetrations, unsealed ductwork in unconditioned spaces, and old windows and doors. Professional air sealing focuses on the building envelope — the boundary between conditioned and unconditioned space. A blower door test can measure your actual infiltration rate in ACH50 (air changes per hour at 50 Pascals of pressure). Air sealing is usually the single best energy efficiency investment you can make, with payback periods of 2 to 5 years.