Let’s say you just purchased a new heating system. And while it seems to be working about as well as you expected, you’re not seeing the kind of heating cost reductions you expected.
Well, assuming it was properly sized and installed, chances are you’re experiencing the kind of day-in, day-out heat loss that relentlessly drives up heating costs for millions of families all over the country. What can you do to reverse that trend? Let’s have a look:
Attic insulation – Unless your attic is well insulated, heat could be rising up to and through your roof. If it’s been a while since you’ve checked out your attic insulation, now’s a good time to do so or hire a professional for assistance. For best results, the insulation should be at least 6” thick and cover the entire surface of your attic without gaps. Otherwise, heated air will find the gaps, and that spells higher utility costs and more wear and tear on your furnace.
- Window and Door Insulation – Is heat escaping through or around windows and doors? Just by moving your hand around the edges, it’s simple enough to find out. Assuming that you’re experiencing some heat loss there, your best and most affordable move is to shore up or replace caulking and weather stripping. During the day, keep window treatments open to allow the sun’s warming rays to heat up your home’s interior. Come nightfall, cover your windows to prevent the added heat from escaping.
- Wall Insulation – It’s estimated that about 45% of heat loss occurs through your outside facing walls. Are yours insulated? If not, or even if you’re not sure, this is a good occasion to contact a professional to determine if such insulation exists and, if not, what it would cost to add it.
- Fireplaces, Switches & Outlets – Your fireplace opening is such a large and easy exit point for heat, it might as well have a flashing neon sign to help point the way! Short of that, simply cover it when during times of inactivity with airtight glass doors. Warm air can also escape through wall switches and outlets, but you can find specially designed insulation for these at your local hardware store or home center.
Paying too much to heat your home but you’re not sure why? If so, now’s the perfect time to contact Burton for our heating system cleaning and inspection service. We can determine what kind of shape it’s in and if there’s anything we can do to help it operate more efficiently. We can also advise you on how to lessen or, in some cases, prevent home heat loss. You’ll have a more comfortable winter when all is said and done, and you’ll pay less for all the added comfort you’ll enjoy.
