How to Find Air Leaks in Your West LA House in 2025

Air leaks In West Los Angeles, where both heating and cooling are essential for comfort, air leaks can be a significant drain on your wallet. That seemingly small cold draft you feel by the window frame? It’s a sign of energy escaping your home, leading to higher utility bills. Even a few minor gaps around windows and doors can add up, significantly impacting your home’s energy efficiency, whether it’s letting precious cool air out during the summer or allowing chilly drafts in during the cooler months.

Don’t let these sneaky air leaks compromise your comfort and cost you money! Our guide on “how to find air leaks in house” will empower you to locate and seal those hidden escape routes. By tackling these leaks, you’ll not only create a more comfortable living environment in your West LA home but also take a step towards lower energy costs.

What Is an Air Leak?

An air leak is the unintended escape or release of air from a contained system or structure. It occurs when a system integrity breach allows air to enter or exit through gaps, cracks, or openings. Air leaks can be found in various contexts, from industrial settings to everyday household appliances.

Common Locations of Air Leaks in Your Home

In industrial environments, air leaks can occur in pneumatic systems, pipelines, or compressed air systems. These leaks waste energy and affect the equipment’s efficiency and performance. In such cases, regular inspection and maintenance are essential to detect and repair leaks promptly.

In residential settings, air leaks commonly occur in windows, doors, ventilation ducts, and roofs. Home air leaks can result in energy loss, reduced indoor air quality, and increased utility bills. They can also lead to discomfort by allowing outside air, dust, and noise to enter the living spaces. Weatherstripping, caulking, and proper insulation techniques address home air leaks to seal gaps and improve energy efficiency.

How to Find Air Leaks In Your Home

Detecting and addressing home air leaks is necessary to maintain energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and create a comfortable living environment. Air leaks allow conditioned air to escape and unconditioned or cold air to enter, resulting in energy waste and potential discomfort. Locating and sealing these leaks can enhance your home’s insulation and promote energy conservation. Here are some effective methods to find air leaks in your house:

• Use an air leak detector.  An air leak detector is a device used to detect and measure airflow. It uses an audible sound that increases in frequency as the air leak gets more extensive, allowing you to locate leaks quickly and accurately. Additionally, ultrasonic air leak detectors detect high-frequency sounds that can be heard when air is escaping from a hole or crack. 
• Visual inspection. Conduct a thorough visual inspection of your indoor and outdoor home. Look for gaps, cracks, and openings in windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations. Pay close attention to areas where different building materials meet, such as corners, around electrical outlets, and at the junction between the walls and the ceiling. Also, look for signs of daylight entering through cracks or gaps to detect air leaks.
• Incense test. Perform an incense test to detect air movement. Close all windows, doors, and vents in your home, and turn off any appliances that could create air currents. Light an incense stick and slowly move it around common leakage areas, such as windows and doors. Observe the smoke from the incense and note any sudden shifts or dispersal, as they indicate air movement.
• Candle test. Similar to the incense test, the candle test utilizes the flickering flame of a candle to identify air leaks. On a calm day, close all doors and windows and turn off any fans or HVAC systems. Hold a lit candle near suspected leakage areas and observe the flame. If the light wavers or moves erratically, it suggests the presence of air drafts.
• Hand inspection. Run your hands along potential leakage points, such as window frames, door frames, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Feel for any noticeable drafts or temperature differences. You can also use this method to check for air leaks around pipes, vents, and chimneys. Your hands can be sensitive enough to detect even small amounts of airflow.
• Thermal imaging. To find air leaks, consider using a camera to identify temperature differences. These devices detect temperature variations, making it easier to spot areas of heat loss or infiltration. Scan around windows, doors, and walls to pinpoint potential leakage points. However, thermal imaging cameras can be costly, so renting or borrowing one, if available, may be more practical.
• Blower door test. A blower door test is a comprehensive method to assess the airtightness of your entire home. It involves using a specialized fan to create a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the house. By measuring the airflow, you can determine the extent of air leakage and locate specific problem areas. However, this method should be performed by a professional energy auditor specializing in blower door testing for accurate results.
• Once you have identified air leaks, addressing them as soon as possible is important. 

Is an Air Leak Causing More Than Just Drafts in Your West LA Property? Contact PuroClean of West LA Today!