While Arizona winters can feel balmy compared to many other parts of the country, the Valley of the Sun can still suffer from winter storms and teeth-chattering cold temperatures. So, it’s important to ensure you’re not throwing money away by losing your home’s heat. Here are the most common ways indoor air can escape.
Poorly Sealed Doors and Windows
Improperly sealed doors and windows remain the biggest sources of avoidable heat loss in your house. One easy way you can check is to feel around windows and door frames on cold windy days for air leaks. Even tiny leaks can equate to major energy losses during the year. You’ll want to repair worn seals, install rigid storm windows, use window insulation film kits, and replace overly loose window frames to keep warm air inside.
HVAC Duct Leaks
Inadequately sealed duct joints and connections especially in attics can result in heated airflow never reaching your living spaces. While minor leakage inevitably occurs in any ducting system over time, excessive heat waste should get promptly fixed. Your local certified HVAC technicians can thoroughly test for and fix duct leaks.
Fireplaces and Chimneys
Traditional masonry fireplace flues constantly draw in outside air to replace rising warm interior air. You’ll want to install high-quality dampers that seal tightly when closed. You’ll also want to keep glass doors shut when not in use to minimize pesky drafts from roaring up the chimney. Special chimney block-off plates also help limit unwanted airflow and heat loss.
Unsealed Lighting and Electrical Fixtures
Light housings, bathroom vent fans, ceiling fixtures, and worn wall plates all enable heated indoor air to freely escape while allowing cold air infiltration through the tiniest of gaps. By meticulously caulking and sealing gaps, you can help curtail sneaky electrical heat loss through these access points.
Thin Insulation in Attics and Walls
While insulation effectively traps indoor warmth, many older homes can fall short of recommended R-value minimums for different areas in your attic and walls. Pay special attention to heat-robbing areas like uninsulated walls and rim joists. Upgrading to encapsulated blown-in attic insulation can make a huge impact in keeping heat indoors where it belongs.
Don’t let your precious energy dollars blow away into the winter winds through overlooked gaps and weak seals lurking around your home’s exterior. Call your local Cool Blew heating professionals today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you keep the heat indoors where it belongs.
