Air Sealing Services in Maryland
Air sealing is the foundational step in home performance work and the one most contractors skip. Insulation slows heat transfer through surfaces. Air sealing stops the air movement that makes insulation underperform regardless of how much is installed.York Home Performance provides professional air sealing for Maryland homeowners. We are a BGE Home Performance with ENERGY STAR approved contractor, use blower door testing to locate and verify air leakage, and include air sealing in every insulation project we perform in Maryland.
Why Air Sealing Is Essential in Maryland Homes
Maryland’s older housing stock, including Baltimore rowhouses, mid-century colonials, and rural farmhouses throughout the counties, was not built to modern air tightness standards. These homes lose significant conditioned air through gaps, penetrations, and bypasses that are invisible without diagnostic testing.
Maryland’s mixed climate compounds the problem. In summer, humid outdoor air infiltrates through leaks and contributes to moisture and comfort problems inside. In winter, heated air escapes continuously. Air sealing addresses both seasons.
Common air leakage locations in Maryland homes:
- 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 on exterior walls
Our Air Sealing Process in Maryland
Blower Door Testing
A blower door test depressurizes the home and measures total air leakage. Required by the BGE HPwES program before any improvements are approved. We run a test at the start of every project and again after sealing to verify the improvement and satisfy BGE documentation requirements.
Thermal Imaging
An infrared camera shows temperature differences indicating 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 with the appropriate material for each application. Every seal is chosen for long-term durability in Maryland's climate.
UTILITY REBATE PROGRAMS
Utility Rebates for Air Sealing in Maryland
Air sealing is a rebate-eligible improvement through several utility programs serving Maryland, including BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, and SMECO. During your estimate, we identify your utility provider, confirm your eligibility, and handle all rebate paperwork directly so you do not have to track it down yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Sealing in Maryland
Does air sealing qualify for BGE HPwES rebates in Maryland?
Yes. Air sealing is a qualifying improvement under the BGE Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. BGE requires a qualifying energy audit before approving the work. We check your eligibility and handle all BGE paperwork on your behalf.
Will air sealing make my Maryland home 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. The goal is controlled ventilation rather than uncontrolled leakage.
How does blower door testing work and is it required for BGE rebates?
A blower door test depressurizes your home and measures the total air leakage rate. Yes, a qualifying blower door test is required by the BGE HPwES program before any improvements are approved and paid. We perform the test as part of every project.
How long does air sealing take in a Maryland home?
Air sealing as a standalone project typically takes one day. When combined with attic insulation, the attic air sealing is completed before the insulation is installed, keeping the total project to one or two days in most cases.
Do you serve areas outside of Baltimore for air sealing?
Yes. We serve homeowners throughout Maryland including Harford, Carroll, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Baltimore counties.
Get an Air Sealing Estimate in Maryland
We serve homeowners throughout Maryland including Baltimore, Harford County, Carroll County, Baltimore County, Howard County, and the surrounding region. No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest assessment from a BGE-approved, BPI-certified contractor with over a decade of experience serving Maryland.