Think baseboards are just décor? Most people do. But what if I told you those tiny cracks under them might be making your AC system work overtime? Sounds dramatic for something so small, right?

Let’s connect the dots.

How Can A ¼ Inch Gap Cause Big AC Trouble?

Air works like water. If it finds a hole, even a tiny one, it flows out. Those little gaps at the bottom of your wall let the cool, clean air inside your home escape. At the same time, hot or humid outside air sneaks in. Your AC tries to keep your home at your set temperature, but the air leak keeps sabotaging it, like trying to fill a bucket with a hole.

What happens then?

• Longer AC run time (more electricity used)
• Trouble keeping a steady temperature
• Hot or cold spots in different rooms
• Higher energy bills
• More humidity is moving into the walls

Now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but homes have cracks everywhere. Why pick on baseboards?” Because they run along the entire base of your house. A small crack across 8 -10 feet becomes a giant escape route when you add them all up across multiple rooms.

How To Fix Baseboard Gaps The Right Way

This is where prevention is your best friend.

1. Caulk It Up: For baseboards that don’t move, caulking is hands-down the simplest fix. A paintable acrylic latex caulk traps the air, seals the gap, and blends in nicely after painting.
2. Fill Big Gaps First: For wider openings, stuff the crack with a backer rod or soft filler before applying caulk. This gives the sealant a solid base to grip.
3. Seal Every Room: Don’t just target one corner. If your living room has gaps, your hallway and bedrooms might too. Sealing them all helps your AC keep balanced airflow.

A Local Comfort Hack For California Homes

If you live in areas like Orange County or the Inland Empire, you know how warm summer afternoons roll into chilly evenings with a coastal breeze. That extra wind makes infiltration worse. A sealed baseboard stops your cold air from escaping and keeps outdoor air from rushing in every time the gusts change.

Final Words

If you want your home storm-tight, allergen-light, and energy-smart (without doing it alone), local pros can step in and save the day.

Want better cooling and lower bills? Service Champions is here to inspect, optimize, and repair your HVAC system for top performance in California homes. Book your service today!