If you’re a homeowner in La Plata, MD, you may realize that your home is losing heat in certain areas. There are a few key areas where heat can escape; if you’re not aware of them, you could be paying more than you need in energy bills. Here are seven areas where your home loses the most heat.
1. The Attic
Heat rises so it’s no surprise that one of the places heat escapes is through the attic. If you don’t insulate your attic properly, heat will escape through the roof. This can be a significant issue with your air conditioning system in the winter when you’re trying to keep your home warm.
You can solve this problem by adding an insulation layer to your attic. Insulation will help to keep the heat in your home, and it will also improve your energy efficiency.
2. Windows
Windows are one of the greatest areas where heat can escape your home. If you have single-pane windows, they are particularly vulnerable to heat loss. Single panes have a lower R-value, which means their insulation capability is low.
To fix this issue, you can upgrade to double-pane windows. Double-pane windows have a higher R-value and will help to keep the heat in your home. You can also add window film to your windows to help with insulation.
3. Doors
Like windows, doors can also let heat out if you don’t insulate them to the required standard. If you have gaps around your doors, that’s likely where the heat is escaping. Adding weatherstripping around your doors will help to close the gaps and keep the heat in.
Weatherstripping is a simple and effective way to insulate your doors and keep the heat in your home. They are of different materials like foam, rubber and metal that you can apply around your door to fill the gaps.
4. Floors
If you have hardwood floors or tile, they can also be a source of heat loss. These floors are conductors of heat, which means they absorb heat and then transfer it to the ground. This can make your home colder and cost you more energy bills.
There are a few ways to solve this problem. You can add carpet to your floors, which will act as an insulator and help to keep the heat in. You can also add rugs or mats, which will also help to keep the heat in.
5. Framed Walls
The heat can escape through the gaps in the framing of framed walls. The problem is more serious if the frames are metallic because metal is a good conductor of heat. It will conduct the heat from your home and out through the wall.
6. Draught Proofing
Most homeowners ignore draught proofing, but it’s essential to keeping the heat in your home. Draughts can come in through gaps around doors and windows and cracks in the walls. Cold can stream in through these gaps and cool your home.
Draught proofing seals these gaps so cold air can’t get in. You can do this yourself with some simple materials like weatherstripping or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
7. Chimneys
Gaps in a chimney can also be a source of heat loss. If you have an open fire, the heat will escape up the chimney and out of your home.
You can solve this problem by sealing the gaps around the chimney and be sure to close the damper when not in use. You can also install a chimney balloon, an inflatable device that you insert into the chimney to block the heat from escaping.
If you notice your home losing heat in any of these areas, it’s time to take action. Contact Hancock Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning to help you maintain your home. Our experts will seal all gaps and add insulation where necessary to keep the heat in your home and improve energy efficiency.
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