In HelloNation, Insulation Expert Darren Haggett Explains Why Air Sealing Matters After Insulation

The Article Explains How Air Sealing Works Alongside Insulation to Prevent Cold Rooms and Wasted Energy.

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why does a room still feel cold after new insulation is installed? A HelloNation article explains how sealing air leaks allows insulation to work as intended, addressing a common source of confusion for many homeowners.

The article notes that insulation slows the transfer of heat through walls, floors, and ceilings. It does not stop air from moving through cracks, gaps, or unsealed openings.

A fully insulated home can still lose conditioned air through small leaks, the article explains. Common trouble spots include window frames, door thresholds, attic hatches, and areas where pipes or wiring pass through exterior walls.

According to the article, air sealing and insulation work best as partners rather than substitutes for one another. Air sealing closes the gaps that let air escape, while insulation slows the heat moving through the surfaces that remain.

The article features insights from Insulation Expert Darren Haggett of Builders Installed Products of New York LLC, based in Albany, New York. His work centers on helping homeowners understand how insulation choices affect comfort throughout the year.

Rooms above garages, additions, and spaces near exterior corners are especially prone to temperature swings, the article points out. These areas often have more seams and transitions where air can move freely.

Older homes tend to have more air leakage than newer construction, according to the article. Settling, aging materials, and outdated building techniques can all contribute to gaps that were never sealed properly.

The article warns that adding more insulation without addressing the underlying air leaks can produce less improvement than homeowners expect. A more reliable method starts with identifying where air is actually escaping.

This can involve a visual inspection or a blower door test, the article explains. Once leaks are located, sealing them with the right materials creates a more consistent barrier for the insulation to support.

Attics, basements, and crawl spaces are frequent starting points, the article notes, because they often contain the largest and most accessible gaps. Sealing these areas first can make a noticeable difference in comfort.

Windows and doors matter too, though the article notes their impact is often smaller than homeowners expect. Weatherstripping and caulking help, but they rarely account for most of the air loss in a typical home.

The article describes a house as a connected system rather than a series of separate rooms. Air leaking into an attic can pull conditioned air away from the rooms below, forcing heating and cooling systems to work harder.

Persistent drafts near baseboards, cold spots on interior walls, and rooms that never quite match the thermostat setting are common signs of leakage, the article explains. Higher than expected utility bills can point to the same issue.

The article also notes that a professional assessment, including tools like thermal imaging or a blower door test, can reveal leaks that are not visible during a normal walkthrough. That information helps homeowners set realistic expectations before starting a project.

The guidance shared by Insulation Expert Darren Haggett in the article offers homeowners a useful starting point. It can help them weigh insulation and air sealing as part of the same project.

Still Cold After Insulation? Air Sealing May Be Why features insights from Darren Haggett, Insulation Expert of Albany, New York, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation