Now that winter is quickly approaching in Australia, it may seem an odd time to be thinking about air conditioning installation. However, not only are there some great end-of-season bargains to be found, but air conditioning installers are not as busy at this time of year, so you won't need to wait long for your new unit to be installed. As someone who wants to make sure their home has a new air conditioning unit installed before summer arrives again, it is important that air leaks within the home are plugged before the installation begins. These are the points you need to know about basement air leaks, and what should be done about them, so they don't affect the efficiency of a new air conditioner.
How Do Basement Air Leaks Affect Air Conditioning?
The whole point of having new air conditioning installed is so you can stay cool in summer. However, the air outside heats up during the summer months. This hot air creates pressure on the cool air found within your home. The pressure pushes down on the cool air coming from your air conditioner, and any leaks in your home are a way for the cool air to escape.
In most homes, the cool air cannot go lower than the floor. However, in homes with basements, even the smallest crack is an opportunity for the cool air to leak down into the basement, which is an inefficient use of energy for your air conditioning. The more energy your air conditioning uses to keep the house cool, the higher your electricity bill.
How To Plug Basement Air Leaks
Air leaks are not the easiest thing to find because air is invisible. However, if you suspect your basement is going to be an issue, arrange for an electrician versed in energy audits to come along and inspect this area before the air conditioning arrives.
The electrician uses radar devices to follow the movement of heat through your home. These heat-detecting instruments show where air moves into the basement, so you know which area to plug. It may be as simple as adding a weather strip to the basement door to stop the heat passing through a gap, or perhaps there are cracks in the concrete which need filling with caulk.
The more attention you give to the potential leaks you have in your basement area before the air conditioning is installed, the less energy you will need to pay for once you are enjoying the cool indoor days of summer.
