These Are the 6 Places You Are Losing Heat in Your Home. The average American household’s energy bill is between $500 and $1,500 during each winter month. It costs a lot to provide heat for your family on top of other things you’d like to purchase during that time. One way to minimize your utility bill is by finding out how to tell where your house is losing heat.
An audit of your home may help you find the exact source of heat loss. Find out how to make your furnace work more efficiently by identifying these six places that you are likely to be losing heat.
1. Windows
Glass is a poor material when it comes to insulation. When you stand next to a window, you’ve most likely noticed that it gets quite a bit colder. So now, you might be wondering how to stop losing heat through windows? You can reduce the amount of heat you lose from windows by adding storm windows or applying plastic sheets.
Cracks in or around windows can greatly contribute to your heat loss as well. Even the smallest of cracks can make a big impact. Sealing these with caulk or foam might be the ticket to more savings.
2. Doors
Doors are a source of heat loss but not as much as you’d think! However, if your door is aged you might look to purchase a new one.
Cracks around doors are another source of heat loss. Sealing with caulk or form and adding weather stripping can help reduce this.
3. Walls
Exterior walls can cause heat loss due to old or improperly installed insulation. It may be time to look into redoing your insulation.
When looking at what type of insulation you’d like to go with, check the R-value. The R-value will give you an idea about how well the insulation will resist heat traveling throughout it.
4. Subfloor Walls
If your basement is unfinished, think about taking it on as your next project. The unfinished concrete walls of most basements allow heat to move through them quickly.
Maybe you’re not interested in a finished basement? That’s okay, you can at least DIY insulate with some blankets or other materials.
5. Ceilings
Heat naturally rises so it’s no surprise that you may be losing heat through your ceiling. If you have an attic, heat could be escaping into the area.
To stop this problem, we turn to proper insulation again. It may be necessary to add to your current insulation.
6. Basement Floors
Back in the basement, you may be losing heat through the floors. These floors are often concrete. You can fix this by installing a carpet or tile over them. You can also seal your basement floors to protect your home from heat loss.
Stop Losing Heat, Start Saving Money
Losing small amounts of heat is a big deal when it comes to damage done to your wallet. During the cold winter months, you’ll want to cozy up with your family with the peace of mind that you aren’t breaking the bank.
McWilliams & Son are professionals that can help you achieve that peace of mind with their professional HVAC services. If you are in the area of East Texas, call today to get help with your home!