High efficiency heating can be a great investment due to the money it will save you on energy bills over the years. However, to get the best results from it, you need to make sure your home is also efficient. There are many aspects of your home that can undermine your high efficiency heating by wasting the heat it provides. Luckily, many of the projects to rectify inefficiencies in your home are good investments because the cost of fixing them can be made up for by the savings they’ll provide in energy bills.
Some of the most common projects that need to be undertaken include:
- Air sealing – The most direct way for heat to escape your home is through cracks and gaps. Sealing these air leaks can usually be accomplished easily and inexpensively with caulking and weatherstripping. Since warm air rises, you’ll want to be sure to examine the attic in addition to the common problem areas around doors and windows.
- Insulation – Another way heat makes it out is through thermal transfer. To slow this process, be sure your home includes enough insulation. The attic is the most cost-effective place to start, as its insulation tends to be easy to examine and install. It also usually has the biggest effect on slowing heat transfer.
- Ductwork – Some of the biggest losses in efficiency can come from ductwork. It’s responsible for distributing the warmth your heating system provides, so any leaks in it can result in heat never even making it to where it’s needed. Other problems, such as obstructed ducts, can also cause your heating system to run less efficiently. Ductwork is typically inaccessible and hard to examine, but if you don’t think your system is performing as efficiently as it should or notice problems with uneven temperatures in different areas, you may want to have it checked by an HVAC professional.
For help with high efficiency heating issues in McKinney, Frisco, Allen or other nearby communities, contact Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating.
