An attic space is often a good place to begin energy-efficiency upgrades. Attic sealing is an effective method used to stop energy loss, plus it contributes to a more comfortable home and you get the perk of savings from the increased efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment. For Toronto-area homeowners that’s good news, because we experience long winters, as well as high temperatures in the summer.

How can you tell if your attic is leaking air? Take a good look at your attic’s insulation. If you see that the insulation is stained or marred, or if you can see frost in it during wintertime, you’ve got problems. Insulation can be damaged from exposure to dirt when there’s an air leak. Other points of interest where air leaks occur are listed below, with effective methods of attic sealing to stop the problem:

Plumbing pipes: This is a tricky area, because when hot water moves through the pipes, they expand due to the heat. In this case, the seal has to be strong enough to prevent air leaks but flexible enough to allow the pipes to move. You can use a rubber gasket or a special “sleeve” that goes around the pipe.

Lighting fixtures: Often, wires or can-light components enter through the attic’s floor. A special sealant designed for use with wires should be used here, because certain other materials can destroy the coating on the wiring.

Home systems: Vents from exhaust fans and ductwork pipes also enter through the attic floor. Sealing around the entry passageways with specially-designed tape for use with ducts and metal materials works well here.

Connections: Other areas of consideration include wall connections, wall-to-ceiling connections, and attic hatches. In these situations, caulking the gaps and small holes should sufficiently seal any leaks.

By performing a few easy attic-sealing steps, you’ll find that your home is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and you’ll see results on your energy bills. If you have questions, the experts at AirFlex Heating & Cooling are available for consultation. We know how to help our customers attain significant energy savings.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Air Flex Ltd services the Greater Toronto area. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.