What Lafayette Residents Should Know About Air Leakage Testing

Did you know that air leaks in your home can increase your energy bills by up to 30%? In Lafayette's hot, humid climate, these hidden gaps and cracks make your air conditioner work much harder to keep your home comfortable. Air leakage testing helps identify exactly where your home is losing conditioned air so you can fix the problems and save money.

What Is Air Leakage Testing?

Air leakage testing uses a powerful fan to create pressure differences that reveal hidden air leaks in your home. The technician seals your doors and windows, then uses special equipment to measure how much air escapes through gaps you can't see.

This process shows exactly where your home is losing cooled air in summer and heated air in winter. The test results help prioritize which areas need attention first to make the biggest impact on your comfort and energy bills.

Why Do You Need Air Leakage Testing?

Even newer homes can have significant air leaks that waste energy and money. Common problem areas include around windows and doors, electrical outlets, attic access points, and where different building materials meet.

Air leakage testing takes the guesswork out of improving your home's energy efficiency. Instead of randomly sealing areas that might not be problems, you can focus your time and money on the spots that will give you the best results for your investment.

How Does the Testing Process Work?

A certified technician will set up a blower door system that fits securely in one of your exterior doorways. This powerful fan pulls air out of your home while measuring how quickly replacement air leaks back in through gaps and cracks.

During the test, the technician walks through your home with smoke pencils or other detection tools to pinpoint exactly where air is leaking. They'll document problem areas and explain which ones should be addressed first for maximum benefit.

How Lafayette's Climate Affects Air Leakage Issues

Lafayette's high humidity and temperature swings put extra stress on building materials, causing them to expand and contract throughout the year. This movement can create new gaps or widen existing ones, especially around windows, doors, and where different materials connect.

The area's frequent storms and strong winds also test your home's air barrier, potentially creating leaks that didn't exist before. Combined with Louisiana's long cooling season, even small air leaks can significantly impact your comfort and energy costs over time.

At Xtreme AC, we provide professional air leakage testing services to help Lafayette homeowners identify and solve energy efficiency problems. Our experienced team understands how Louisiana's climate affects your home and can recommend the most effective solutions. Call us at (337) 400-7015 to schedule your air leakage test and start saving on energy costs.

After testing, we can help you address the problems we find through our complete HVAC services or recommend other solutions. Visit our air leakage testing page to learn more about improving your home's energy efficiency.