Homeowners are interested in green products for reasons that are both economical and environmental. A tight building envelope will conserve energy and monthly utility bills, and air sealing is a good option for creating an energy-efficient home. Remodeling's Marisa Mendez looks at the benefits of air sealing:

Why Does Air Sealing Matter?
Though the holes through which air leaks are often small, those little amounts of lost air add up. According to the Energy Star website, when taken together, all the holes and gaps in the building’s envelope equate to having a window open each day in a year. It also estimates that 20% to 30% of air transferred through the home via ducts is lost because of poorly connected ducts, leaks, and holes. The homeowner’s conditioned air, along with the money that goes into heating or cooling it, flies away. In addition to lowering heating and cooling costs, sealing holes keeps out dirt-, dust-, and pollen-filled air that can seep into the home. And while stopping up air leaks in a home is important on its own, remodelers also have to be sure the home is well ventilated and that filtered, fresh air is distributed throughout the house.

How Can You Tell If Your Client’s Home Leaks?
First, talk to your clients about their home. Are there any spaces that feel especially drafty? Have they noticed a moisture build-up inside specific places? The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends visually inspecting the home for obvious leaks. A blower-door test is also a great way to detect air leaks. Depending on your state, performing this test might be required for your work to pass inspection and meet energy code requirements.

How Can It Be Fixed?
According to the DOE, weatherstripping and caulking are two ways to eliminate these gaps. These techniques are not just for exterior and obvious air leaks, such as from windows and doors. Other places to look for air leaks, according to the DOE, are around plumbing and electrical fixtures. For taking care of those more difficult areas, new caulks and tape are coming onto the market all the time. Here are three examples.

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