During the winter, promoting energy savings in the home means knowing how to manage heat loss. Heat loss can significantly affect comfort, put a strain on your heating equipment, and cause your energy costs to spike. So how can you reduce this unnecessary drain on your comfort, budget and peace of mind?
Seal off air leaks
Air leaks are one of the most common sources of heat loss in the home. From common complaints such as drafty doors and windows to hidden leaks in the crawlspace or attic, anywhere that uncontrolled heat exchange can occur should be considered, inspected, and if a problem is found, addressed. Check common trouble spots such as gaps around plumbing, ducts and wiring that pass through your floors, walls or ceiling.
Boost your R-value
Adequate insulation is a key factor in the prevention of unwanted heat exchange. To get the most bang for your buck, start with the attic. If you’re unfamiliar with R-value, it basically indicates the level of thermal resistance insulation provides. If you’re not sure how much insulation is needed, you can check with a reputable source such as Energy Savers, or you can consult a trained technician.
Upgrade old windows
Windows are another significant source of heat loss in the home. If your windows are of the outdated, single-panel design, consider upgrading to Energy Star-qualified windows, which have a much higher thermal resistance. Another cost-effective option to manage heat loss is to add storm windows, which can often reduce heat loss by up to half.
Maintain your HVAC system
If you neglect to care for your HVAC system, you can lose energy in a number of ways. Take ductwork for example. If it leaks, conditioned air will escape, often into unconditioned areas of the home. Ducts passing through conditioned areas should also be insulated to prevent heat loss. Annual system maintenance should include an inspection of such systems, preventing unnecessary energy loss over time.
For more information on how you can effectively manage heat loss in your South Carolina home, contact Comfort Services today and speak to one of our trained technicians.
