Shivering in Your Home? Learn About Different Types of Heat Loss (Part 2 of 2)

Part 1 of this blog post discussed one of the most obvious culprits of heat loss: inadequate insulation. But there are plenty of other vulnerabilities in your home’s “energy envelope.” Some are apparent, like doors and windows, while others—like light fixtures—may surprise you.

If your home is well insulated but you’re still losing heat, read on to find out if another feature of your house may be responsible.

Other Locations Where You’re Losing Heat and Why

Old Windows and Doors

New windows are far better at keeping the cold air out and the warm air in than their old counterparts. Modern window design has big improvements over old windows, including the use of double (or even triple) panes, and airtight seals. Replacing old, leaky windows can reduce the amount of heat lost in your home as well as offer security and aesthetic enhancements.

The same wisdom extends to doors. Door manufacturers offer insulated and energy-efficient entry doors that will cut down on the amount of lost heat. Improper installation of doors is also a major cause of heat loss, so check for gaps around your exterior doorways.

Lights and Vents

Everybody has light fixtures and vents in their home—it’d be a dark and stuffy place without them—but, if not properly installed and insulated, heat can slip through poorly sealed fixtures and vents, escaping up into the attic and outside.

The Attic

Attics are notorious heat loss spots—heat rises, after all. Making sure the space above your head is sealed tight and well insulated will save you money and keep you warmer in the winter.

Loose-fill insulation, like cellulose, is commonly used in attics, and if you have pull-down attic stairs, you’ll want to check out having an attic staircase insulator installed. Having one creates a barrier between the drafts in your attic and the warm air inside your home.

A basement or Crawlspace

Basements are often where washers and dryers are housed, so the vent and pipe systems for those appliances can allow air to seep out. Plumbing fixtures, like the outdoor faucet for your garden hose, can also be a not-so-hot spot for losing heat.

Old Siding

There are new types of insulated siding available that will cut down on the amount of heat lost through your home’s exterior walls. Visit the EBSCO Research blog to find out more about different types of siding and energy-efficient siding.

What Should You Do?

If you think you’re experiencing heat loss in one or more of the above areas, call your local Best Pick to help pinpoint the issue. Once you discover where the heat is escaping, you’ll have a list of options on how to combat the problem, from extra insulation in your attic to new, energy-efficient windows and doors.

So, if you’re dealing with drafty hallways and rooms that feel like refrigerators, call a professional. Your toes will thank you.

Find your local Best Pick™ Air Condition & Heating Company