What Is Air Sealing and Why It Matters Just as Much as Insulation

Air sealing is the process of closing gaps, cracks, and holes in a home’s envelope that allow unwanted airflow in and out. These small leaks may occur around windows, doors, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations, attic hatches, and other connection points throughout your home. Though individually small, they can add up to the equivalent of having a window open year-round. In a climate like Waco’s, where summers are hot and winters can get chilly, uncontrolled airflow can drastically reduce your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Why Air Sealing Is Just as Important as Insulation

Insulation and air sealing go hand-in-hand. While insulation slows the transfer of heat, air sealing addresses the movement of air itself. Without air sealing, conditioned air can escape and outside air can enter, making your insulation less effective. That means your HVAC system must work overtime to maintain your desired temperature. Many homeowners assume that adding more insulation will solve efficiency issues, but without proper air sealing, you may still deal with drafts, uneven room temperatures, and high energy bills.

Common Areas Where Air Leakage Occurs

In most homes, air leaks are most common in attics, basements, crawl spaces, and around exterior doors and windows. In the attic, leaks often occur where ducts, pipes, and wires penetrate the ceiling. Recessed lighting and attic access panels are also key areas. In basements or crawl spaces, air can enter through rim joists and plumbing holes. Even newer homes are susceptible to leaks if air sealing wasn’t done carefully during construction. Over time, natural settling and temperature shifts can widen these cracks and make the problem worse.

The Benefits of Air Sealing Your Home

Air sealing offers more than just energy savings. By minimizing drafts and helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature, it increases comfort throughout the home. It also helps reduce humidity intrusion, which can lead to mold and mildew, especially in older Waco homes. Sealing gaps also improves indoor air quality by keeping out dust, pollen, and allergens. A tightly sealed home also blocks out noise pollution, especially helpful if you live near busy streets or urban areas. Lastly, air sealing protects the durability of your home by minimizing moisture buildup that could lead to structural damage.

How Air Sealing Is Done

Professional air sealing involves identifying and sealing leaks using materials like caulk, spray foam, weatherstripping, and gaskets. Technicians may use blower door tests to depressurize the home and detect where air is escaping. Thermal imaging cameras can help identify temperature differences that signal leaks. After pinpointing the issues, each leak is sealed using the most appropriate material. The process is often paired with insulation upgrades for maximum efficiency.

When Should You Consider Air Sealing?

If your home feels drafty, your utility bills are unusually high, or rooms vary in temperature, those are signs that air sealing could help. It’s also a good idea if you're planning any insulation upgrades, replacing your HVAC system, or remodeling. Addressing air leakage first ensures you get the full benefit of any other energy-efficiency upgrades. Even if your insulation looks adequate, unseen air leaks could still be driving up your energy use and lowering your comfort.

Make Your Home Smarter and More Comfortable

At Allstar Insulation, we take a whole-home approach to energy efficiency. We understand that insulation alone isn’t enough to maximize your comfort and energy savings. That’s why we include air sealing in our insulation assessments and provide customized solutions that work for your specific home. If you're ready to make your Waco home more efficient, quieter, and more comfortable year-round, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team of experts.