A simple test for finding air leaks in your home is to pass a butane lighter slowly around the edges of doors and windows. If the flame bends or flickers, it indicates that an air leak is present, and you should repair or replace the weather stripping. Be sure to keep the flame away from curtains or other flammable materials.
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February 3rd, 2010 at 2:18 pm
How do you stop air leak from hood over the stove that vents directly outside..with flapper….
joe t. Says:February 3rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Hi Laurie: Well, assuming the damper (flapper) is operating correctly and closing off the duct when the range hood is turned off, then the air must leaking in from around the exterior duct hood. Check from outside to see make sure the exterior fitting is flush against the house siding. Too often the installer won’t cut away the siding, and only half of the exterior hood will make contact with the house. If that’s the case, you don’t necessarily have to cut away the siding. I’d suggest filling any voids with caulk. If that doesn’t work, then you’ll have to remove the exterior hood and trim away some siding. Good luck!–Joe T.