8 Tips to Avoid The Loss of Heat in Your Home
by Donald Bolt (2021-11-02)
If you imagine your home, you imagine a place that is warm at home, comfortable, and cozy. It's the kind of place you'd like to go back to after a tiring day. In the winter there's nothing that ruins the dream of your own private home like an unheated home. It's not fun to be at home in the cold and even more difficult to pay higher costs for energy to enjoy it.
In the event that your house is losing energy but you aren't sure how to fix it read these eight strategies to stop the loss of heat within your home this winter.
You can Insulate Your Walls
The most common reason for heat loss in homes is inadequate insulation. Around 35% of the heat loss comes in the walls. This is significant because the exterior of the home is cold and, over time, a natural exchange takes place. The majority of houses have cavities to slow the process down, even though they're often not properly insulated. The installation of new insulation to your walls isn't a simple task. It generally involves tearing up the interior drywall, putting in insulation, and then replacing the drywall. The wall is then painted. But, there are some contemporary solutions that are less intrusive and could involve removing small sections of the wall and applying insulation to the entire wall.
Verify Your Windows and Doors
A significant amount of heat is taken away from your home through the windows and doors. Window panes that are single-paned are absolute offenders so switching them to double-paned windows is advised to stop large amounts of heat from leaving. It's recommended to examine the weatherstripping on the windows and doors and consider replacing it if it's outdated or damaged. Examine the cracks on the outside of the caulk, and also make sure there's no gap around the frames. Inside, consider putting curtains of a thicker thickness to your windows. This will do wonders to keep the heat in. Last but not least, install an air seal in all doors on the outside. You may also consider installing heavier-duty doors that are sealed.
Repair Your Floors
Heating can also escape through the floors, particularly when you have huge gaps between the flooring boards. Carpeting is a simple, quick, and cost-effective solution, however, it isn't suitable for all homes. Carpets with large rugs also aid however if you prefer the appearance of plain flooring, a hardwood one might not be the ideal option for you. For other floors, it is possible to install underfloor heating. It is particularly effective in bathrooms with tile and allows the heat to radiate upwards and then directly into your body.
Look at your Attic and Basement
Insulation is a key element in the attic as well as the basement. The attic is especially vital to repair since heat increases. Inadequately insulating your attic could lead to massive heat loss, making it essential to go up there and put in good insulation. While you're at it is a good idea to inspect for leaks, and repair them as well. In basements, it is common to leave insulation out and the room ends up getting colder and transferring heat away towards the other areas of your home. It's important to insulate the floors and walls.
Block Chimneys Not In Use
When you own a fireplace that isn't in use, the chimney could be an open window that heat can escape through. Have you had it properly blocked to stop heat from venting out while keeping your fireplace attractive and in top shape?
Cover Vents that are not used
As with chimneys that are not being used or vents, the old ones from HVAC systems could draw heat from your house, allowing cool air inside. They should also be sealed and professionally blocked to stop further loss of heat. It is also recommended to examine the vents in use and look for gaps. If there are any, you'll need to be able to fill them up quickly and easily with expanding foam.
Include a Timed Extractor Fan
An extractor fan in your kitchen or bathroom is an excellent tool, however, should you fail to switch off the fan, it will quickly chill your home right down. Get rid of the stress on your head and put in an extractor fan that is timed. They will shut off automatically after a period of 15 minutes or less to ensure they're not kept on for long periods of time in a row because of a mistake.
Radiator Care
Cleaning your radiators is an additional way to stop the loss of heat. It's essential to flush your radiators prior to the start of each season, in order to make sure they're functioning properly. If they're not, they'll be prone to cold spots and they'll only heat up to a tiny only fraction of their capacity. Installing a shelf over the radiator does not just provide additional storage space, but can also direct the heat to the room, instead of letting it rise towards the ceiling. Radiator shelves that are clipped onto most radiator models are accessible and easy to put in and take out whenever required. Additionally, Search for luxury real estate in Canada with THE PAPOUSEK TEAM. View our exclusive listings of Canada homes and connect with an agent today.
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