Heat loss can increase your energy bills and reduce your home comfort. It happens when gaps and cracks exist in your home's facade. Warm air leaks out of your home, forcing your
furnace or heat pump to work harder. Follow these tips to avoid heat loss in your Georgia home.
Look for Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Doors and windows often serve as the primary culprits of heat loss. Over time, surrounds and casings can warp, creating tiny cracks and gaps that allow heat to escape. You can apply weather-stripping to these areas if you find any gaps. Additionally, you can use caulk or epoxy to seal cracks that prove too narrow for weather-stripping tape.
Don't forget about your basement door or attic hatch. These areas are vulnerable because they constitute holes in your home. They're often uninsulated and unprotected, so consider adding insulation to reduce heat loss.
Seal Your Fireplace
Who doesn't love a roaring fire during the winter? You probably don't keep the fire going all day long. A fireplace can be a source of significant heat loss. Closing the damper helps, but only if there aren't any gaps or cracks in the chimney. To protect yourself further, install a draftstopper.
Essentially, a draftstopper acts like a cork in a bottle. When you inflate it in your chimney, it seals against heat loss. Remove it whenever you want to light a fire, then put it back in place after you extinguish the flames.
Caulk Your Baseboards
Believe it or not, your baseboards can cause heat loss. They sometimes separate from the wall, which allows heat to escape to the outside. Use a caulking gun and high-quality caulk to seal your baseboards — especially those on exterior walls. You can do the same for the trim at the top of the wall.
Nobody enjoys losing money and energy during the winter. Protecting your home against heat loss serves as the first step to preventing these outcomes. If you're concerned about energy efficiency,
find an HVAC contractor in our directory to help you manage your home's carbon footprint.
