The groundhog promised us spring but the chilly weather still lingers, and as long as we have extreme weather, we have high utility bills. We talked about using energy-efficient light bulbs and other ways to cut your energy bills, but here are the top three trouble spots for home heat loss. Maybe when the warm weather arrives, you can take that time to make some repairs.
1. Windows and Doors
We all know that the windows and doors are one of the top causes for home heat loss. You can just tell by standing near the window or door and feeling the cold air leaking through. On windows, check and make sure you have tight weatherstrips and strong closing devices. Old windows are more notorious for letting air in since they’re more worn out. Window treatments like blackout shades and honeycomb blinds help block the transfer of energy or trap the air. On doors, air comes in from the bottom. There are a few options to help close the gap between your door and the frame from stick-on weatherstripping to a door sweep.
2. Chimneys
A chimney can suck up just as much heat from the room as is generated. It’s important to be sure that you’ve got the proper equipment in your chimney to stop airflow. All chimneys should come with a flue, which is a piece of metal on a hinge that you can open and close to control the fire level and air flow. In older chimneys, time may have warped the flue or even the brick so that everything doesn’t fit together as it should, causing air leakage. There are sealers and stoppers you can outfit the flue with if it doesn’t fit inside the chimney right anymore. You can also outfit your fireplace with doors or covers to help separate the chimney from your room. Newer, more expensive fireplaces have a fireplace exchange system that circulates the fire-warmed air through pipes, which cause less air loss when not in use.
3. The Roof
There are a few ways your roof is letting heating or cooling energy out of your house. Skylights, for one, easily allow heat to escape both through the frame and by convection. According to the California Energy Commission, homes with skylights lose 35 to 45 percent more heat than their skylight-less counterparts. In the summer months, skylights can let in an exorbitant amount of heat. Roofs unfortunately can be troubling to homeowners because of their expensive repairs. Leaks in the roof not only can cause water damage but can let energy out. And finally, improperly insulated ceilings can be a large black hole for heat or cooling energy.
Check up on these things if you think you are experiencing home heat loss and your bills are extremely high. If you think your home is airtight enough but your bills are puzzling you, you might have a wiring issue. In that case, call your friendly residential electrician, Allen Electrical, today!
