Seal the gaps: Your guide to stopping energy waste at home

Air leaks could be costing Australian households hundreds of dollars each year in wasted heating and cooling. The good news? Sealing these gaps is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make, with immediate results for both comfort and energy bills.

Understanding the impact of air leakage

Australian homes lose 15-25% of their heating and cooling through unsealed gaps and cracks. That's equivalent to leaving a window open year-round. In a typical home, these leaks add $400-600 annually to energy bills—money that's literally escaping through the cracks.

According to energy efficiency experts, proper draught-proofing combined with insulation can reduce heating and cooling demands by up to 40%. For most Aussie homes, that translates to annual savings of $500-800.

Finding the hidden energy thieves in your home

Air leaks hide in predictable places. Here's where to focus your detective work:

Common culprits:

• Window and door frames (responsible for 30% of air leakage)

• Exhaust fans and vents (15-20%)

• Gaps around pipes and cables (10%)

• Floorboards and skirting boards (15%)

• Downlights and ceiling fixtures (10%)

• Chimneys and fireplaces (5-10%)

Simple detection methods:

• Feel for draughts on windy days

• Look for daylight around door frames

• Check for movement in curtains near windows

• Use incense smoke to detect air movement

• Consider professional thermal imaging for comprehensive assessment

  
  

Your DIY sealing toolkit: Practical solutions that work

Taking action on air sealing doesn't require professional help for most tasks. Here's your practical approach:

Quick wins (under $50, same-day results):

• Weather stripping for doors and windows: $10-20 per door

• Door snakes or seals: $15-30 each

• Caulking for small gaps: $10-15 per tube

• Outlet gaskets: $2-5 each

Medium investments (under $200, weekend projects):

• Window film for single glazing: $50-100

• Exhaust fan covers: $20-40 each

• Chimney balloons: $50-80

• Professional-grade door seals: $100-150

Professional upgrades (best ROI):

• Comprehensive draught-proofing service: $500-1,500

• Insulation top-up with sealing: $1,500-3,000

• Window retrofit double glazing: $300-500 per window

  
  

Insulation: Your air sealing partner

While sealing gaps stops air movement, insulation reduces heat transfer. Together, they create an efficient thermal envelope:

Ceiling insulation (R3.5-R5.0 recommended)

• Reduces heating/cooling loss by up to 35%

• Payback period: 2-3 years

• Cost: $1,500-2,500 for average home

Wall insulation (retrofit options available)

• Reduces heat transfer by 15-20%

• Best combined with external cladding upgrades

• Consider pump-in insulation for existing walls

Underfloor insulation

• Essential for homes with suspended floors

• Reduces winter heat loss by up to 20%

• Cost: $2,000-3,500 installe

  
  

The comfort dividend: Benefits beyond energy savings

Properly sealed homes deliver improvements you'll notice immediately:

Year-round comfort:

• Consistent temperatures throughout your home

• No more cold draughts in winter

• Better cooling retention in summer

• Reduced hot and cold spots

Health and wellbeing:

• Improved indoor air quality (when combined with proper ventilation)

• Reduced dust and pollen infiltration

• Lower humidity and mould risk

• Quieter indoor environment

System efficiency:

• Heating/cooling systems work less to maintain temperature

• Extended HVAC system lifespan

• Reduced maintenance requirements

• Better performance from existing equipment

  
  

Smart ventilation: Sealing done right

Important: Air sealing must be balanced with adequate ventilation. Modern homes need controlled air exchange for health and comfort:

• Install quality exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens

• Consider heat recovery ventilation for maximum efficiency

• Ensure combustion appliances have adequate air supply

• Use openable windows for natural ventilation when weather permits

  
  

Your air sealing action plan

Start your journey to a draught-free home with these steps:

1. Conduct a home walk-through - List all gaps and leaks

2. Prioritise high-impact areas - Focus on largest gaps first

3. DIY the simple fixes - Weather stripping and caulking

4. Plan major upgrades - Insulation and professional sealing

5. Monitor your savings - Track energy bills for improvement

   
   

Professional assessment: When to call in experts

While DIY sealing handles most issues, professional assessment provides:

• Blower door testing to measure air leakage

• Thermal imaging to identify hidden gaps

• Comprehensive sealing strategy

• Access to professional-grade materials

• Compliance with building standards

  
  

A professional draught-proofing service typically costs $800-1,500 but can identify issues saving you thousands long-term.

Available support for your sealing upgrades

Various programs help make air sealing affordable:

• Victorian Home Energy Upgrades program

• NSW Energy Security Safeguard

• ACT Home Energy Support Scheme

• Local council sustainability programs

  
  

Many states offer free home energy assessments including draught-proofing advice.

Take action on home sealing today

Ready to stop throwing money out the window? Our HEAT assessment identifies your home's specific air leakage issues and provides targeted recommendations. You'll discover which upgrades deliver the best returns for your situation.

Remember: sealing air leaks is one of the quickest wins in your home efficiency journey. With simple DIY fixes delivering immediate comfort improvements and professional upgrades offering long-term savings, there's never been a better time to take action.

Get your personalised draught-proofing plan and start saving today.