Taking steps to cut down on how often your furnace has to run to maintain winter comfort not only lessens your energy bills, it also prolongs the lifetime of this appliance. The load refers to the amount of heat your home needs, and in many cases, it’s possible to cut it by improving your home’s energy efficiency. Airtight and well-insulated homes require less conditioning, since they lose and gain less heat through the building’s shell.
Where to Start
An energy audit performed by a trusted contractor will show you exactly where your energy losses occur, whether through cracks or holes in the exterior shell, the foundation or attic, or through the windows. The movement of heat toward cooler temperatures is inevitable, and the only way to stop it is through barriers.
In lieu of a professional audit, inspect your home for gaps around windows, exterior doors, the attic and foundation. Windows can be a significant source of energy losses that increase the time your furnace runs. Test them by touching the glass. If they feel cooler than other objects in the room, the windows are losing heat to the outdoors. Ice dams signal problems with attic insulation, since the dams form primarily when heat seeps through the insulation into the attic and warms the roof deck.
What to Do
Caulk, expanding foam and weatherstripping products are readily available at home centers and easy to use. If you’re sealing around vents, use fire-rated materials like metal flashing and special caulks and foam. You may need to contact a contractor to improve insulation levels, particularly in the walls and foundation. Increasing wall insulation typically requires blowing it in, which uses special equipment. Basement walls need some kind of vapor barrier to prevent moisture damage.
Stopping heat transfer reduces your furnace load, prolongs its lifetime and cuts heating and repair costs. A tighter home also stays more comfortable throughout the year. To learn more about home comfort and lengthening your heating system’s lifespan, contact Arpi’s Industries, providing top-notch HVAC services for Calgary homeowners.
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