Nothing says cozy like a warm home after a long winter day's work. If you just can't get your home warm enough to make you feel comfortable, you need to look for the cause. There are quite a few reasons why your home may not be as warm as it used to be.
On the other hand, your home may be warm enough, but your bills have skyrocketed well over last year's totals. Your home is losing heat somewhere. You need to find out where before your carbon footprint—or your energy bills—get any larger. Here is a checklist of items to look at to figure out where your home is losing heat.
Look for Drafty Areas Around Your Home
Homes change and settle over the years. Cracks and gaps that may not have been there last year might have developed over time and varied weather conditions. Look over your home carefully to see if there are drafty spots allowing heat to escape and cold air to come in.
In addition to windows and doors, vents, attic hatches, pipes, mail slots, or any other spots where gas, air, or water comes into or leaves the house can allow drafts in. Corners or other surfaces that are joined together can also have small gaps that can cause cold outside air to come in your home.
Are your Windows and Doors Energy Efficient?
If your windows and doors have been there for a while, they may not be as energy efficient as new ones. Today's energy efficient windows and doors are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Replace old drafty windows and doors with new, energy efficient models. The better the NFRC rating, the more efficient the windows or doors will be at keeping cold out of your home.
Insulate Your Windows
Uninsulated windows allow heat to escape and cold to come in. Most homeowners, however, can insulate their home's windows easily. Just purchase home window insulation kits at any home improvement center. The project is easy, quick, and can save you lots of money on heat bills.
Have Your Home's Heating System Inspected Regularly
If you have taken care of all of the items on the checklist but are still having trouble keeping your house warm, your heating system may need a checkup. If you have not had your home's heating system checked within the last year, it is time to call a heating professional to make sure that your system is working efficiently.
Whether you just need to have your system tuned up or it is time to upgrade your system, your local HVAC professional can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you haven't had your system checked for a while, schedule an appointment today so you can start enjoying the comfort of your home all year long.
On the other hand, your home may be warm enough, but your bills have skyrocketed well over last year's totals. Your home is losing heat somewhere. You need to find out where before your carbon footprint—or your energy bills—get any larger. Here is a checklist of items to look at to figure out where your home is losing heat.
Look for Drafty Areas Around Your Home
Homes change and settle over the years. Cracks and gaps that may not have been there last year might have developed over time and varied weather conditions. Look over your home carefully to see if there are drafty spots allowing heat to escape and cold air to come in.
In addition to windows and doors, vents, attic hatches, pipes, mail slots, or any other spots where gas, air, or water comes into or leaves the house can allow drafts in. Corners or other surfaces that are joined together can also have small gaps that can cause cold outside air to come in your home.
Are your Windows and Doors Energy Efficient?
If your windows and doors have been there for a while, they may not be as energy efficient as new ones. Today's energy efficient windows and doors are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Replace old drafty windows and doors with new, energy efficient models. The better the NFRC rating, the more efficient the windows or doors will be at keeping cold out of your home.
Insulate Your Windows
Uninsulated windows allow heat to escape and cold to come in. Most homeowners, however, can insulate their home's windows easily. Just purchase home window insulation kits at any home improvement center. The project is easy, quick, and can save you lots of money on heat bills.
Have Your Home's Heating System Inspected Regularly
If you have taken care of all of the items on the checklist but are still having trouble keeping your house warm, your heating system may need a checkup. If you have not had your home's heating system checked within the last year, it is time to call a heating professional to make sure that your system is working efficiently.
Whether you just need to have your system tuned up or it is time to upgrade your system, your local HVAC professional can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you haven't had your system checked for a while, schedule an appointment today so you can start enjoying the comfort of your home all year long.