Air Sealing Services in Pennsylvania
Insulation slows heat transfer. Air sealing stops the air movement that makes insulation far less effective. Most homes lose conditioned air through gaps, cracks, and penetrations that are invisible to the naked eye but measurable with the right equipment.York Home Performance provides professional air sealing for homes throughout central Pennsylvania, including York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lebanon, Chambersburg, and Carlisle. We are BPI-certified, use blower door testing to verify air leakage, and check your PPL Electric and FirstEnergy rebate eligibility as part of every estimate.
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 is moving freely through gaps in the building envelope.
Common air leakage locations in central Pennsylvania homes 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 the ceiling 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 we do. 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 the total air leakage rate. It tells us how leaky the home is and helps us locate where the air is moving. We use blower door testing at the start of every project and again after sealing to verify the improvement.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging cameras reveal temperature differences across surfaces, indicating air movement and insulation gaps. Combined with blower door testing, thermal imaging allows us to pinpoint specific leakage locations throughout the building envelope.
Air Sealing Installation
We seal identified leakage locations using the appropriate materials for each application, canned foam for larger gaps, caulk for smaller cracks, and specialized air barrier materials for larger bypasses in the attic. Every material is chosen for long-term durability.
UTILITY REBATE PROGRAMS
Utility Rebates for Air Sealing in PA
Air sealing is a rebate-eligible improvement through several utility programs serving central Pennsylvania, including PPL Electric, Met-Ed, FirstEnergy, UGI, and Columbia Gas. 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 PA
What is air sealing, and why do I need it?
Air sealing is the process of sealing gaps, cracks, and penetrations through which conditioned air escapes from your home. It is the most cost-effective step in improving a home’s energy performance and the one that makes insulation work correctly. Without air sealing, insulation cannot perform at its rated value.
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 and how much air is escaping before we recommend any work.
Will air sealing make my house too tight?
No. Properly done air sealing does not create indoor air quality problems when executed by a BPI-certified contractor. We assess ventilation as part of the project and ensure appropriate fresh air exchange is maintained. The goal is a controlled, intentional air exchange 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 we can make in a home, even without adding insulation. In many cases, we recommend air sealing first, then evaluating insulation needs based on post-sealing test results.
How long does air sealing take?
Air sealing as a standalone project typically takes one day. When combined with attic insulation, attic air sealing is completed before the insulation is installed, keeping the total project timeline to one or two days in most cases.
Get an Air Sealing Estimate in Pennsylvania
We serve homeowners across central PA, from York and Lancaster to Harrisburg, Hershey, Lebanon, Chambersburg, Carlisle, and everywhere in between. Our team will assess your home’s air leakage, explain what needs to be done, and check your rebate eligibility on the spot. No pressure. No obligation. Just an honest assessment from a BPI-certified contractor who has been doing this work across central Pennsylvania for over a decade.