Retaining Cool Air | 4 Easy Steps to Seal Windows in Preparation for Air Conditioning

Installing an air conditioning unit from a company like Point Nepean Air Conditioning & Heating is one of the smartest decisions to beat the summer heat, but it requires adequate preparation to run at optimum levels. Sealing a home to prevent air leaking will reduce your electric bills and carbon footprint by nearly 25 percent. Reduce your energy load by following these simple steps to seal your windows when preparing to install air conditioning.

Things you will need

You will need expandable spray foam sealant and a candle for this simple task. Spray polyurethane foam is a spray application that forms an air-sealing blockage on all types of roofs, walls and windows. The applied foam expands to fill out the entire gap to seal the windows. Spray foam can be purchased from a local home improvement store or online.

Step 1: Test the Window for Air Leaks

Before sealing, be sure to check all the areas around your window for possible air leaks. You can do this by moving a lit candle along the areas most prone to air leaks, which are where one window section touches the next, where the frame touches the window and where the wall touches the frame. When the candle flame flickers, it indicates that you have an air leak.

Step 2: Fill the Gaps using Expandable Spray Foam

Fill the gaps using expandable spray foam from the can. You can overfill the gap without worry because you can get to it later to fix it. Let the foam protrude from the wall and avoid touching it for a few hours to prevent making a mess of your sealing effort.

Step 3: Let the Foam Dry

Let the foam dry for a few hours or even overnight before you touch it again. Once you are satisfied that it has hardened over the gap, use a knife to cut off the excess foam from the window gap. Follow this process for all gaps and cracks, and your windows will be sealed in no time.

Step 4: Paint over the Foam

You don't want your windows to look shabby and discoloured, so you can paint over the foam to unify the colour theme of your windows.  

By following these simple steps, your windows are now well prepared for the new air conditioning unit in your home –– you won't have to worry about cool air escaping any longer.