Most people are familiar with the concept of heat loss, but they may not be aware of the various factors that can contribute to this phenomenon. In many cases, heat loss is caused by a combination of factors, making it difficult to identify a single culprit. Some of the most common causes of heat loss include poor insulation, drafts, and leaky windows. By taking steps to address these issues, homeowners can help to keep their homes warm and comfortable all winter long. Read on to learn about the most common causes of heat loss.
1. Poor Insulation
Poor insulation is one of the primary causes of heat loss in your home. This happens when there is insufficient material or a poor seal between the interior and exterior of your home, allowing heat to escape. This can be a serious problem in colder climates, as it can lead to increased heating bills and a risk of freezing pipes.
How a Professional Can Fix the Problem of Poor Insulation
A professional insulation contractor can assess your home and recommend the best course of action to seal up any gaps and improve the overall insulation of your home. This may involve adding new insulation, replacing old insulation, or placing caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows. By taking these steps, you can improve the efficiency of your home and keep your family warm all winter long.
2. Drafty Windows
Drafty windows and doors are a common problem in older homes. But even if your windows and doors are new, they can still be drafty. The good news is that there are things a professional can do to seal up those drafts and make your home more comfortable. There are several reasons why your windows or doors might be letting in drafts. The most common causes include gaps in door or window frames, worn-out weather stripping, and cracks in door or window glass. Damaged caulking and poorly insulated walls also contribute to these issues.
The Effects of Drafty Windows and Doors
Drafts can cause a lot of problems for your home, including:
Higher Energy Bills
If your home is drafty, you’re probably spending a lot more money on heating and cooling than you should.
Condensation
When warm air hits a cold surface, like a drafty window, it can condense and form moisture. This moisture can lead to mold growth, which can damage both your home and your health.
Uncomfortable Temperatures
Nobody likes sitting in a room that feels like it’s 10 degrees colder than the rest of the house. Drafts make it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature in your home, no matter how high or low you set the thermostat. Fortunately, there are things a professional can do to fix drafty windows and doors to prevent future drafts from happening.
How a Professional Can Fix Drafty Windows and Doors
Replace Old Weather Stripping
Old weather stripping can shrink and gap over time, allowing precious heat to escape in the winter and unwanted cool air to enter in the summer. A professional can quickly and easily fix this problem by replacing the old weather stripping with new, more durable sealant. This will create a tight seal around your windows and doors, preventing drafts and helping to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year long. In addition, this simple upgrade can help to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home, saving you money on your utility bills month after month.
Repair Cracks in Your Glass
One way to improve the efficiency of your home and stop drafts is to repair any cracks in your glass doors and windows. Glass doors and windows let in natural light, making your home feel brighter and more open. They can also help you save on energy costs by reducing the need for artificial lighting. However, glass is fragile and can easily crack or break.
There are several ways a professional can fix cracked glass or broken doors and windowpanes to improve the efficiency of your home and keep out drafts. One common method is called glazing, which involves adding a new layer of glass over the existing one. Another option is to replace the entire pane of glass with a new one. This is usually necessary when the crack is too large to be repaired with glazing.
3. Electrical Outlets
While there are a number of potential causes of drafts in your home, one often-overlooked culprit is your electrical outlets. That’s right – those little holes in the wall can let a surprising amount of air through, leading to a significant loss of heat. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that your electrical outlets are responsible for heat loss in your home.
For starters, take a look at the temperature around the outlet itself. If it feels significantly colder than the surrounding area, that’s a good indication that air is leaking through. You can also check for drafts with an incense stick or candle – hold it near the outlet and see if the smoke is drawn towards it. If you suspect that your electrical outlets are responsible for heat loss, a professional can help fix the problem.
Fixing the Problem
There are several techniques that a professional can adopt to fix this issue. One way is to install gaskets behind the outlet covers. These will create a tight seal and prevent warm air from escaping. Another way to fix the problem is to use caulk or spray foam around the edges of the outlet box. This will also create a tight seal and prevent air from leaking out.
4. Ceiling Openings
Most people are unaware that ceiling openings, such as recessed lighting, can be a major source of heat loss in their homes. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional seal any ceiling openings when they are installed and check regularly for any sealing that may have come undone over time. Even the smallest opening can cause significant heat loss, so it’s essential to be diligent in keeping your home well-sealed.
Fixing the Issue
There are a few things a professional can do to fix ceiling openings and prevent heat loss. One option is to seal the opening with weather stripping or caulk. Another option is to install insulation around the opening. This will help to keep heat from escaping through the opening. Insulation can be added to the existing insulation in the ceiling, or it can be applied directly to the surface of the ceiling. Either way, it will help to keep your home warm and decrease your energy bills.
Get in Touch With Professionals Today
Is your home in need of heating, air conditioning, or indoor air quality services? Then don’t wait any longer and call McGowan's Heating & Air Conditioning. We proudly serve Jacksonville and the surrounding areas and offer 24-hour heating and cooling service. We are a family-operated and owned business that has been serving the area for almost 50 years. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to our customers. So whether you have an emergency or just need routine maintenance, we can help. Contact us today and let us show you why we’re the best in the business.
