Where’s My Heat Going?
Don’t Let Warmth Go Out the Window
It doesn’t make any sense.
Your heater is running just as it should be. So why does the house always feel chilly?
Imagine a broken refrigerator on a hot summer day. Though the fridge will stay cool for a while, it will inevitably get warmer as you open and close it. When your home isn’t energy efficient, it works like a broken refrigerator. Only instead of cool air, your home loses heat. But why?
If your heater is working just fine and you don’t need to schedule heating repair service in Montgomery County, MD, take a closer look at your home. Here are some of the most common ways homes lose heat and what you can do to stop it.
Heat Escapes Through…
The Roof
Since heat rises, it’s important that your roof is properly insulated. Otherwise, warm air will go out and cold air will come in. Insulating the attic is an affordable and very effective way to preserve that heat and lower your energy bills.
The Floor
Cold floors are a cozy home’s worst enemy. If your home has a crawlspace, you can insulate the crawlspace walls to help prevent heat loss. If your home doesn’t have a crawlspace, you can still add insulation to make your floors warmer. Our team will offer cost-saving recommendations for properly insulating your floors and making them more energy efficient. If your home has hardwood floors, carpets can help, too!
The Walls
Insulating the walls is a no-brainer when it comes to conserving energy. But it’s also important to seal any gaps in your home. Check the following places for air leaks:
- Electrical outlets
- Flues and chimneys
- Where the dryer vent attaches to the exterior wall
- Where your plumbing connects to the outdoors
- Where your ceiling fans attach to the ceiling
A word of caution: If you don’t know how to properly seal air gaps, call a professional. Improperly sealing your home can trap pollutants in your air such as carbon monoxide. Follow safe practices for sealing gaps and always ask a professional if you have any questions.
The Windows & Doors
Windows are great for letting the light in—but they’re also great for losing heat. Caulk and seal any gaps near windows and doors and apply weatherstripping to preserve more heat. Heavy winter curtains will go a long way in making your home feel warmer and controlling your energy costs. According to the Department of Energy, the potential energy savings from reducing drafts in the home can fall between 5 to 30 percent per year.
Ductwork
As warm air travels through your home, it can escape through any gaps or leaks in the ductwork. Have a professional inspect your ductwork periodically to make sure it’s in proper working order.
Get the Answers With an Energy Assessment
While there are steps you can take to save energy at home, the most effective strategy starts with an energy assessment. Here at Vito Services, we’re partnering with Edge Energy to give customers insight into their energy usage and provide a detailed list of suggested improvements. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting new opportunity!
To schedule heating services in Rockville, MD, or elsewhere in the tri-state area, contact your local Vito Services office or schedule an appointment online today.