Signs Your Home Is Leaking Air

Temperature changes, drafts, worn weatherstripping, and rising energy bills mean that your door
is likely leaking air.

You might’ve heard about windows leaking air, but what about patio doors? Patio doors leaking
air are just as serious as windows leaking air. It sounds bizarre, but it can cause discomfort in
your home, and a higher energy bill. This is why it’s important to identify the warning signs while
you can before your energy bill gets too high and bigger problems develop.

Temperature changes near your door

Have you noticed that when you are near your door in the winter, it's colder there but the rest of
your house is warm? Or the other way around, in the summer it's hotter near your door but
colder in the rest of your home? This is a prime sign that your door is leaking air. These uneven
temperatures are not only uncomfortable and annoying, but it's also making your HVAC system
work more frequently and work harder than it needs to in order to maintain comfort.

You can physically feel drafts

There is an easy test to do in order to see if you have a draft near your door. Simply stand next
to your door, specifically on a more windy day. If you feel air movement near your closed door,
this means your door is leaking air. You might want to also hold your hand around edges, the
frame, and the threshold to feel for air. This is just as effective to check for a draft.
 

Your energy bills are rising

Noticed a rise in your energy bills, but you are not sure why? If you checked for drafts, and felt
the air near your door, this could be the cause of your rising energy bills. The reason for this is
the gradual increase in heating or cooling costs. When it's the winter and cold air is being
pushed inside (or vice versa), it makes your system work harder than it should be, resulting in
higher energy bills.

Visible gaps or worn weatherstripping

Even the tiniest gaps you notice can affect your energy bill and comfort. Visible gaps, small
gaps, and/or worn weatherstripping are included in this. You might be wondering what exactly
worn weatherstripping looks like. If you see cracks, flattening, or peeling (When to replace your
weather stripping) that is your weather stripping approaching its final days. Weather stripping
typically lasts 3-5 years, meaning if you are in that range, it might be time to replace.

Dust or dirt around your door

Have you spotted any dirt or dust around your door(s)? And is it accumulating fast? Dust and
dirt around your doors inside your home can mean your door is leaking air. The reasoning for
this is due to the fact that there are small gaps somewhere in your door, resulting in air entering
your home and the dust accumulating fast.

Why air leaks matter

Air leaks matter greatly for a majority of reasons. Not only do they cause year round discomfort,
but they also result in higher energy consumption + utility bills, make your HVAC system
struggle, and potential moisture damage and long term damage.
 

Should you repair or replace?

You should replace if:

● Your frame is decaying
● Major weatherstripping damage
● Drafts keep showing up even after repairing
● Your door is 20+ years old

You can repair if:

● Weatherstripping damage is small
● Drafts can be easily fixed

Your door leaking air is definitely not something to ignore. It makes it uncomfortable in your home, energy bills go up, and overall could contribute to long term damage. Don’t wait, call us today at Window World for help with replacing your door and getting a new one! Call us today at (702) 622-9399 or contact us here