Basic Concepts

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description

Air Sealing Part of North Carolina Cooperative Extension E-Conservation Home Energy Management Series. Basic Concepts. Identify where air leakage occurs in the home Types of materials used to stop air leakage. Two conditions needed for air leakage: A hole Driving force across the hole. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Basic Concepts

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Basic Concepts

• Identify where air leakage occurs in the home

• Types of materials used to stop air leakage

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Two conditions needed for air leakage:

– A hole– Driving force

across the hole

AIR

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Lots Of Driving Forces

Image courtesy of Southface Institute

humidityhumidity

rainrain

windwind

humidityhumidity

FansFansheatheat

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Driving forces move air in predictable directions

MoreMorePressurePressureMoistureMoisture

HotHot

LessLessPressurePressureMoistureMoisture

HotHot

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You can’t do anything about driving forces,

so seal the holes!

AIR

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Air seeks the path of least resistance.

Air will choose the largest

available path.

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Where is air leakage greatest in the home?

• Ducts• Fireplaces• Plumbing

penetrations• Doors

• Windows• Fans and vents• Electrical outlets• Floors, walls and

ceilings

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Air Leakage

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Big HolesChases

Plumbing penetrations

Droppedceilings

Access panelsCeiling fixtures

Ducts

Sill plates

Vents

Window openings

Door openings

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Air Leakage Results In:

• Wasted energy• Stack effect• Drafts• Discomfort

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Floors and Ceilings

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Stopping the Leaks!

• Start at the top• Seal and insulate duct work • Seal low spots• Provide combustion air for

combustion appliances• Use caulk, foam or

weatherstripping

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Caulk

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Foam

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Weatherstripping

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Weatherstripping Doors

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Outlets and

Switches

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What Caulking to Use?

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What Kind of Weatherstripping?

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Chimneys

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Storm Windows

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Key Points:

• Air leakage results = energy loss and discomfort

• Seal air leaks at top first, then lower and be mindful of combustion equipment

• Cauling, foam and weatherstipping can be used to seal air leaks

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For More Information

• Major Resources:– http://www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

– http://www.energystar.gov/homes