7 Surprising Places Your Home Is Leaking Heat
If you own a home, you pay for heating and cooling, too. If you aren’t careful, the cost of utilities can become expensive over time. Single family homes, on average, pay $2,060 a year in utilities according to the US Department of Energy, 29% of which is allocated specifically to heating. How, then, can you reduce the cost? By identifying the nooks and crannies most likely to leak heat, you can weatherproof your house, keep your family warm, and lower your heating costs this winter. Read on for the seven surprising places in your home you probably didn’t know were leaking heat.
1. Attics
Attics are one of the biggest places homes lose heat. Besides the fact that most homes don’t have enough insulation, there are other areas to be aware of. Even attics that are well insulated many times are lacking insulation above the access hatch. Additionally, holes for pipes and vents can lead to a significant amount of heat loss over time. Be sure all holes are sealed and all attic openings are properly insulated and weatherproof.
2. Windows and Doors
A major source of heat loss in homes results from gaps in windows and doors. In fact, leakage from doors and windows results in about 20-25% of total heat loss alone in a house. Reduce drafts and the cost of heating by sealing leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk. Don’t forget to add a weather strip to the bottom of the doors.
3. Pipes and Wiring & Vents
Gaps created by lights and other fixtures installed through walls and ceilings can cause heat loss. In order to prevent heat loss, exposed gaps should be filled with expanding foam to seal these leaks. Fans, vents, and holes for structures such as laundry ducts can account for large portions of heat loss in your home as well. Ensure exposed gaps are sealed or reduced in size to prevent heat leakage.
4. Electrical Outlets
While only contributing to a minor portion of total loss, electrical outlets are another lesser-known source of heat leakage. Take countermeasures to block exposed sockets and stop cold air from slipping through. You can find socket sealers at most home improvement stores and they are simple to install.
5. Fireplace Dampers
Fireplaces get a lot of attention during the colder winter months, but they can be a major source of heat loss, too. Make sure your damper is closed and remember to close it after using the fireplace. Otherwise, it’s a straight shot for heat to go up the chimney and outside.
6. Air Ducts
Check your air ducts for leaks and gaps. Seal any areas that are leaking with aluminum tape. Duct tape, contrary to its name, is not the best material for this job. It will eventually loosen and allow leaking. Pay special attention to ducts that run through unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.
7. Air Conditioning Units
If your home has window units left untouched during the winter, they can jeopardize your efforts to keep your house warm. Remove the units entirely or seal the surrounding area to prevent heat loss and block cold air from sneaking in.
A little extra vigilance can make the difference between a comfortable home and a cold one. Keep the winter weather outside by making sure your home is insulated and weatherproof.
Keep In the Heat with a Lennox Home Comfort System
If you think your current heating system is too old and you are worried about staying warm because of leaks, you’ll need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Interested? Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.
Need help with heating or cooling? For friendly service, you can count on Lancaster Brothers. Give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online. If you need a new furnace, we recommend a Lennox furnace.