It can be difficult to build a perfectly air tight home, but a key requirement for a high performance home that is energy efficient and provides good indoor air quality is to "build tight and vent right" (with controlled, filtered fresh air ventilation system). Some common air sealing flaws are:
- Sealants that join building materials develop some air leaks due to expansion and contraction.
- Air barriers may be damaged during construction as the various workers install wiring, equipment, and materials.
- Air leaks may occur where materials meet and any place that the structure is penetrated with plumbing, wiring, and planned ventilation.
- If caulking, weatherstripping and other air sealing measures were not completed, leaks can occur.
- Homes that have many corners, rooflines, and openings have more opportunities for air leaks.
If you have excessive air leaks, communicate with your contractor about problem areas. Air leakage in new home construction can be detected and measured by an experienced contractor or energy auditor by using blower door equipment. Learn more about energy efficient construction for your climate in other Home Energy articles, or by visiting the Energy Star and Building America websites.
