Drafts and leaks can make your home uncomfortable and your energy bills unnecessarily high—especially in winter. The good news? You can often find and fix many of these issues on your own. A DIY home energy audit is a smart first step toward a more efficient, comfortable home.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Check for Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors
- On a cold or windy day, use your hand to feel for drafts around window frames and door edges.
- Shine a flashlight from inside at night while someone checks from outside—light leaks often mean air leaks.
- Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps.
Step 2: Inspect Attic and Basement Gaps
- Check attic access doors and knee walls for insulation and sealing.
- Look in the basement or crawlspace for unsealed ductwork, sill plate gaps, or exposed foundation cracks.
Step 3: Examine Electrical Outlets and Switches
- These are common but overlooked air leak spots.
- Remove the cover plate and feel for airflow—especially on exterior walls.
- Use foam gaskets or spray foam to seal behind outlets and switches.
Step 4: Look at Vents, Plumbing, and Cable Penetrations
- Any place a pipe or wire enters/exits your home could be leaking air.
- Seal around penetrations with expanding foam or caulk.
Step 5: Evaluate Insulation (Visually)
- Peek into the attic to check depth and coverage. Canadian homes typically need R-50 insulation for maximum efficiency.
- Compressed, missing, or damp insulation should be replaced.
Step 6: Check Furnace and Ductwork
- Inspect exposed ductwork for disconnected sections or lack of insulation.
- Make sure your furnace filter is clean for optimal airflow.
Need filters? You can order directly from our shop and get them delivered to your door.
Bonus: Try the Incense or Smoke Test
- Light a stick of incense and slowly move it around edges of windows, doors, and baseboards.
- If the smoke wavers or is sucked in/out, you’ve found a leak.
When to Call a Pro
If your DIY audit finds several issues—or if you’re not sure what you’re looking at—Affordable Comfort can help. We offer full home energy evaluations, insulation upgrades, and HVAC optimization to reduce your energy costs and increase comfort.
