Our heating contractor suggests that it is very important to maintain the heat in your home so that you can cut down on the cost of your heating bill and energy waste. If you feel like you are turning up the heat too often then your home might be suffering from a few common causes of home heating loss. Something as little as small drafts of cold air from an open window can even cause your heating bill to spike, creating a long-term the inefficiency of your furnace, increase your chances of illness, and ultimately more discomfort during the cold season. So in order to avoid the dreaded cold winter season, here are 7 things to look for in your home in order to avoid a costly heating bill.
Why Home Service Doctors?
Home Service Doctors takes pride in our customer service because to us, the customer is always the number one priority. With expertise throughout our company, there is never a question that will go unanswered when you talk to us. When it comes to heating, we know what to look for and can help you save on your home with efficient heating systems and 24/7 emergency service so that you can stay cozy during wintertime. We know how important it is to take care of your home especially during the winter season, which
is why we act quickly and help our customers gain knowledge on what to look for during the cold months with our well-trained heating contractors who can handle heating repairs, replacements, installations.
1. Open Doors and Windows
Leaving doors or windows open is a fast way to lose heat from your home. It accounts for about 10-11% of all heating loss each year. Be sure to repair spaces in your home before the winter season begins, and check for weather-stripping to patch up any windows or doors that need closure before turning the heat on. Check window and glass screens and replace them if they’re not fully secure, including dents or other possible openings of the exterior of your home.
2. Electrical Outlets
Surprisingly enough, cold air can seep through electrical sockets, causing a 2% heating loss. Not every electrical outlet is in clear sight, so make sure to check more than once when entering each room in your home. Check all outlets in your home for cool air and see if you can feel cold air coming in. If you do, install foam gaskets to block the cold air that is causing a draft.
3. Basements
Checking your entire basement for leaks from either vents or fans can save you up to 4% of household heating loss during the winter season. Basements tend to go unnoticed and sometimes they may go unused for long periods of time, so it’s highly suggested that you conduct a thorough investigation before turning on your heat. However, if you are unable to check your basement fans or vents yourself, professional heating companies such as us are always available to review and repair any leakage prior to wintertime.
4. Recessed Lighting
One of the lesser-known yet more surprising cases of heat loss includes recessed lighting, which is responsible for 13% of household heating loss during the cold months. Having recessed lighting in your home and on your a ceiling can be damaging to your budget for your original plan, and can be resolved with effective weather stripping to properly prepare for cold weather.
5. Air Conditioners
Winter can come at you fast, and sometimes it can come sooner than expected. So when summertime is over, don’t procrastinate when it comes to removing your air conditioning units. If you still have air conditioners in your home as the winter season approaches, cold air can run through your home freely and flow throughout the home especially when your heat is running. Some homeowners decide to leave their window air conditioner units throughout an entire year. However, it’s a bad idea and over time, cool air drafts will develop throughout the surrounding areas of the a/c unit.
6. Ceiling Openings
An incredible 31% of heat can be lost from your home if there are any ceiling openings, leaks, or cracks in your walls or floors. Replacing ceiling tiles, properly insulating all the rooms in your home, and sealing any leaks or cracks that you find within your walls, can help cut down the cost of energy waste and heat usage. Checking your roof before the winter season is another way to be proactive and helps you identify any openings that you may have missed in the past that affected your heating bill. Another suggestion, if necessary, is to check your attic insulation, especially if you have not done so in recent years.
7. Fireplaces
Of course, we all love our fireplaces. Sometimes they are the perfect alternative to dealing with winter and can be wonderful to cozy up to during those bitter nights. However, they must also be inspected to avoid any potential mistakes. If you have a fireplace in your home, make sure to check it before turning on the heat. When your fireplace is improperly installed you allow cold air to move up and out of the chimney easily, costing you more in heating bills without even enjoying enough heat for yourself.
Gain a greater peace of mind when it comes to your home and keep you and your family warm during the winter season without having to pay for a ridiculous heating bill-contact Home Service Doctors and talk to our heating contractor for all heating service needs!