Air Sealing Services
Insulation slows the transfer of heat through surfaces. Air sealing stops the air movement that makes insulation far less effective. Without air sealing, gaps and penetrations throughout the building envelope allow conditioned air to escape continuously regardless of how much insulation is present.York Home Performance provides professional air sealing for homeowners across Pennsylvania and Maryland. We are BPI-certified, use blower door testing to locate and measure air leakage, and include air sealing in every insulation project we perform.
Why Air Sealing Is the Step Most Contractors Skip
Adding insulation without air sealing first is one of the most common mistakes in home performance work. Insulation rated at R-38 can perform significantly below that value if air moves freely through gaps in the building envelope.
Common air leakage locations include:
- Attic bypasses where interior walls meet the attic floor
- Gaps around plumbing, electrical, and HVAC penetrations
- Rim joists and sill plates at the foundation level
- Recessed lighting cans in ceilings below the attic
- Gaps around chimneys, flues, and mechanical chases
- Electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls
We include air sealing in every insulation project. It is not an optional add-on — it is the foundational step that makes everything else work.
Our Air Sealing Process
Blower Door Testing
A blower door test depressurizes the home and measures total air leakage. It tells us how leaky the home is and helps us locate where air is moving. We run a blower door test at the start of every project and again after sealing to verify the improvement.
Thermal Imaging
An infrared camera shows temperature differences that indicate air movement and insulation gaps. Combined with blower door testing, thermal imaging lets us pinpoint specific leakage locations throughout the envelope.
Air Sealing Installation
We seal identified leakage locations using the appropriate material for each application. Canned foam for larger gaps, caulk for smaller cracks, and specialized air barrier materials for larger attic bypasses. Every material is chosen for long-term durability.
UTILITY REBATE PROGRAMS
Utility Rebates for Air Sealing
Air sealing is a rebate-eligible improvement under utility programs in Pennsylvania and Maryland. York Home Performance is an approved contractor for multiple programs and checks your eligibility as part of every estimate.
Get an Air Sealing Estimate
York Home Performance serves homeowners across Pennsylvania and Maryland. We will assess your home’s air leakage, explain what needs to be done, and check your rebate eligibility.
No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest assessment from a BPI-certified team with over a decade of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Sealing
What is air sealing and why do I need it?
Air sealing closes the gaps, cracks, and penetrations through which conditioned air escapes your home. It is the most cost-effective step in improving a home’s energy performance and the one that makes insulation work at its rated value. Without air sealing, insulation cannot perform correctly regardless of how much is present.
How do you find air leaks in a home?
We use a blower door test to depressurize the home and measure total air leakage, and thermal imaging to identify the locations where air is moving. These two tools together give us an accurate picture of where air is escaping before we recommend any work.
Will air sealing make my house too tight?
No. Properly executed air sealing does not create indoor air quality problems when done by a BPI-certified contractor. We assess ventilation as part of every project and ensure appropriate fresh air exchange is maintained. The goal is controlled, intentional ventilation rather than uncontrolled leakage.
Can air sealing be done without also adding insulation?
Yes. Air sealing is a standalone service and is often the highest-impact improvement available in a home even without adding insulation. In many cases we recommend air sealing first and then evaluate insulation needs based on post-sealing test results.
Where do you provide air sealing services?
We serve homeowners across Pennsylvania and Maryland including York County and surrounding PA counties, and the greater Baltimore and central Maryland area.