intermediate work · Host-invited homes near Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Seal and tune the window AC units in an invited North Baton Rouge home
Window units carry most of the cooling load in North Baton Rouge's older housing, and the gaps around them undo much of what they produce. Sealing panels, rope caulk, and a clean filter make each unit cool better on less electricity — which matters most in heat-emergency weeks when old units barely keep up. This is the natural second visit after a whole-home draft sealing. Standard: DOE air-sealing guidance for room AC installations; SDG 7.3. Proof: Before/after photos of each sealed unit Method (DOE air-sealing guidance for room AC installations; SDG 7.3.): 1. Inspect each window unit with the host for daylight gaps and loose accordion panels. 2. Fit foam side-panel seals and weatherstrip at the sash meeting rail. 3. Seal remaining gaps with removable rope caulk, keeping the drain path clear. 4. Clean or rinse each unit's filter with the host's consent and confirm the slight outward tilt. 5. Photograph each sealed unit inside and out with GPS and date. Done when: Before/after photos of each sealed unit
How this work is done
A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 45–120 minutes. Method of record: US DOE Weatherization Assistance Program DIY-safe air-sealing measures + ENERGY STAR DIY Guide to Sealing and Insulating. Occupant-safe caulk/weatherstrip work only; no combustion, electrical, insulation-removal, or pre-1978 paint disturbance.
Bring
- camera
- caulk gun + paintable/silicone caulk
- weatherstripping + door sweeps
- foam outlet/switch gaskets
- utility knife + putty knife
- tape measure
- gloves + safety glasses
Steps
- 1. Photograph each draft location (window trim, door, outlet, penetration) before sealing.
- 2. Confirm the home is post-1978 or the surfaces are lead-safe; if pre-1978 with disturbed paint, STOP and flag for a lead-safe pro.
- 3. Clean and dry each gap; remove old failed caulk/weatherstrip with the putty knife.
- 4. Apply a continuous caulk bead to fixed gaps (window/door trim, penetrations) and tool it smooth.
- 5. Install weatherstripping on operable window/door edges so it compresses without binding the sash/door.
- 6. Fit door sweeps to exterior doors and foam gaskets behind outlet/switch plates on exterior walls.
- 7. Verify each treated opening closes/latches and the seal is continuous; photograph the finished work.
- 8. Enter locations sealed, materials used, before/after photos, and any flagged hazard into the proof record; sign.
If it does not match the plan
- Pre-1978 home with peeling/chipping paint on the work surface -> STOP: do not scrape/disturb; route to an EPA RRP lead-safe certified pro.
- Gas appliance, water heater, or fireplace in the space -> do not tighten a combustion-air/venting path; leave required make-up air and flag for a weatherization pro (backdraft/CO risk).
- Active moisture, mold, or rot at the opening -> fix the moisture source first; do not seal moisture in.
What counts as done
- Before and after photos of each sealed location
- Continuous caulk bead on fixed gaps and weatherstripping that compresses without binding
- Door sweeps and outlet gaskets installed on exterior openings/walls as scoped
- Every treated door/window still closes and latches after sealing
Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.
Claiming is free. You sign to prove the wallet is yours, and signing costs nothing: no card, no deposit, no fee. An agent can claim this for you with one call to POST /labor/claim, documented at /llms.txt.
Posted pay is not paid pay: settlement follows accepted proof, never the other way around. Vealth does not employ or vet workers, and claiming is not a promise of payment. See how proof and receipts work.