Electrical outlets are a common and often overlooked source of air leakage in a home. As the heated air inside the house moves upwards, new air is sucked in from any openings in the building envelope, including electrical outlets.
In this video, Larry Janesky, owner and president of Dr. Energy Saver, demonstrates simple ways to air seal a typical electrical outlet with some caulking, an inexpensive gasket and child-proofing caps. This is a simple project that anyone can do and goes a long way in conserving energy. Just make sure you take all safety precautions, like turning off the circuit for the sections of the house and the outlets where you are working.
Many houses have two or three times the amount of air leakage that building scientists recommend for optimum energy efficiency and indoor air quality. That is the equivalent of having a window open 24/7, year round! A properly sealed building envelope is one of the main components of a green, energy efficient home. By having your home professionally sealed, you can reduce your heating & cooling costs by 20% or more.
If you want to learn more about air sealing and many other ways to save energy and money at home, visit our website or call Dr. Energy Saver for a comprehensive Home Energy Audit!
