eic | Comfort Home - Energy Efficiency Experts

Problem:

A water leak or high humidity can lead to mold, mildew or other biological growth. Water can seep into your house from the outside through a leak in your roof, foundation or small gaps around windows or doors. Water can also come from inside your house from a leaking water pipe, toilet, shower or bathtub. High indoor humidity caused by normal activities of everyday living such as showering, cooking and drying clothes, can also be a source of mold, mildew or musty odors. Indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% are ideal.

Solutions:

• Seal all duct leaks to prevent high humidity levels in your home.
• Install a vapor barrier in your crawlspaces to prevent moisture from the soil increasing humidity levels in your home.
• Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture. Check to make sure ventilation fans venting directly outside.
• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside. Inspect the vent duct. Make sure it is attached securely to the dryer. Check that it is clear of obstructions (e.g. lint). Check for holes that leak air. If vent duct is damaged replace it with a metal duct. The vent duct should be cleaned at least once a year.
• Keep the air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Call ComfortHome to check your heating and cooling system to make sure it is sized and operating properly to remove humidity. If your system is too big, or the airflow incorrect, your air conditioner will not remove humidity like it should. Also, ask the contractor to check your duct system for air leaks and proper size and air flow to each room.

Cold floors in the winter

Problem:

Insufficient insulation or air infiltration can also cause cold floors. This issue may not only affect your home's comfort, but may also contribute to higher energy costs.

Solution:

Air Sealing and insulation can help stop drafts and improve the comfort of your home. You can do some things yourself, but for the best solution you need to hire a contractor. Contact ComfortHome to check if your heating and cooling system is providing enough air to each room. ComfortHome will check to see if a damper closed, if a duct has disconnected from a register; if the duct is sized correctly or if the duct is leaky.

Drafty rooms

Problem:

Cold air leaking in or out of your house, especially through the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.

Solution:

Air sealing can help stop drafts and improve the comfort of your home. The most important leaks are often in the attic. You can do some things yourself, but for the best solution you need to hire a contractor. Ask ComfortHome to check ducts for air leaks and balanced airflow. If you have a fireplace, close the damper when not in use.

Dust

Problem:

Increased dust in your home could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed.

Solutions:

• Change or clean your furnace and air conditioner filters once a month, or according to the filter manufacturer's instructions. Temporarily seal the filter in place with metal-backed duct tape.
• Vent your clothes dryer directly to the outside. Inspect the vent duct. Make sure it is attached securely to the dryer. Check that it is clear of obstructions (e.g. lint). Check for holes that leak air. If vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. The vent duct should be cleaned at least once a year.
• Sealing air leaks (Home Sealing) can help to reduce air infiltration that could be a source of dust. Sealing duct air leaks, especially the return duct, can help prevent dust from being circulated throughout your house.

Moisture on windows

Problem:

High indoor moisture levels can contribute to condensation, frost or pools of water on windows and sills. Worn or missing weather stripping on windows may contribute to fogging or condensation on the window panes themselves.

Solutions:

• Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture.
• Vent your clothes dryer directly to the outside. Inspect the vent duct. Make sure it is attached securely to the dryer. Check that it is clear of obstructions (e.g. lint). Check for holes that leak air. If vent duct is damaged replace it with a metal duct. The vent duct should be cleaned at least once a year.
• If you have single pane windows, especially with metal frames, install storm windows or consider replacing your existing windows with ENERGY STAR labeled windows.
• If you can't afford to add storm windows or replace your windows now, purchase and install a shrink film or polyethylene sheet window insulation kit from a home center or hardware store.
• If you have a humidifier, check it regularly for proper operation. It could be adding too much moisture to your indoor air.

Ice dams

Problem:

Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your roof—forming icicles and ice dams. During the melting process, water which would normally run into gutters may get trapped and find leakage points into the home causing moisture or mold issues.

Solution:

Sealing duct air leaks in your attic will stop warm air leakage (the source of the problem). After sealing leaks, add additional insulation in your attic. Provide adequate attic ventilation to ensure the underside of the roof and outside air is the same temperature. Check to make sure attic insulation is not blocking roof ventilation.

Peeling paint

Problem:

Peeling or cracking paint on your home's exterior may be a sign of a humidity problem caused by improperly installed vapor barriers or flashing.

Solution:

Air sealing can keep moist air from leaking through your walls. To adequately prevent moist air from moving into wall cavities, you may need to hire a contractor, like ComfortHome, who is a building science specialist.

Hot or cold rooms

Problem:

Significant differences in temperature from one room to another could be caused by several factors, including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct performance or an improperly installed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Solution:

For best results, hire a energy specialist like ComfortHome to do an in-home energy evaluation. A good specialist will use diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of your home and generate a customized list of improvements. Ask your contractor to check if your heating and cooling system is operating correctly. Ask your contractor to check your ducts for air leakage and proper distribution of air. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to the proper areas can often solve the problem.

Dry indoor air in winter time

Problem:

Air leaks in your home allow warm, humid air to escape and drier, colder air to enter.

Solution:

Ask ComfortHome to check your heating and cooling system to make sure it is operating properly. Also, ask us to check your duct system for air leaks and proper size and air flow to each room. Sealing air leaks will prevent infiltration of cold, dry air from outside. If you have a tight home you may not need a humidifier.