During the winter, you may not realize it but your home likely is experiencing heat loss in a number of ways. This loss of heat costs you money and comfort, since it forces your heating system to work longer and harder to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Here are few quick steps that will save cut down on heat loss and energy use:
- Make sure you have adequate insulation throughout your home, but especially your attic. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation and carries the biggest payoff in lower energy bills when properly insulated.
- If you have an older storage-tank water heater, cover it in an insulating jacket or blanket (newer models usually come with factory insulation). Turn down the water heater to 120 degrees to help save money. Also insulate pipes carrying hot water from the water heater.
- Windows and doors will leak air because of age and usage. Replacing old weatherstripping and caulking will reduce heat loss to the outside. Consider thermal or double-pane windows as replacements.
- Check exterior walls for holes and cracks, and seal with caulking or spray foam. Check the places where the walls meet the foundation and where plumbing and electrical pipes and lines enter the home.
- If you don’t already have one, get a programmable thermostat so you can program energy-saving temperatures when nobody’s at home or everybody’s asleep.
- While not directly related to heat loss, HVAC filters play an important role in keeping your home warm. The filter on your forced-air heating equipment should be inspected regularly (and changed when dirty) to keep the warm air blowing. A dirty filter blocks the flow of warm air and causes your furnace to work even harder. Don’t forget that heating vents need to be checked regularly for dust build-up.
Making just a few minor changes can save you money. Please contact us for more information on all your heating needs. Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. has provided HVAC services for the Dayton area since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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