Learn About Heat Loss and How to Prevent It

When temperatures drop, the last thing you want to experience is heat loss. This is why it is best to take precautions before winter arrives in Murfreesboro. Additionally, technicians at A/C Plus Heating & Cooling can help you prevent and treat heat loss, ensuring a warm, cozy home.

Understanding Heat Loss at Home

Heat loss occurs when warm air escapes through windows, doors, walls or floors. Potential causes include holes, cracks, gaps, broken windows or poor insulation. The heat escapes through the holes while also allowing cold air to leak inside your home. There may also be an issue with your HVAC system, such as clogged filters. Heat loss causes your furnace to work harder, leading to frequent breakdowns, a failed system and higher energy bills.

Common Signs of Heat Loss

Knowing what signs to look for is part of understanding heat loss. You have an idea of how heat is escaping and how to fix the issue.

Visible Damage on Certain Elements

You already know that visible damage on your windows, doors, floors and walls may indicate heat loss. However, you may also find gaps and other damage on your pipes and vents. Furthermore, a drafty ceiling indicates heat loss in your attic.

Air Leaks and Drafts

Cool air coming in around the windows and doors is a sign of an air leak. You can also check for an air leak by holding your hand near the area. Remember, a cold draft also means heat is escaping your home.

You may also feel cool air around the electrical outlets and switch plates on your exterior walls. Seal off the air leaks by installing a foam gasket behind these covers. If you’re worried about working near electrical components, consider professional assistance.

Uneven Temperatures Throughout Your Home

You may notice some rooms are colder than others even after turning on the heat. While this usually means a draft, the issue may also be poor insulation or outdated weatherstripping.

Surfaces That Feel Cold to Touch

Another sign of heat loss is cold interior surfaces. Place your hand on the walls, floors or ceilings to see if the surface is cold to the touch. You can also check the windows and doors to see if the frames and glass are cold.

Condensation on Windows or Interior

Condensation, such as excessive moisture or water stains, is also a sign of an air leak or poor insulation. You may notice the condensation on the windows, walls and ceilings.

Sudden Spike in Energy Bills

If you notice a sudden spike in energy bills but no change in behavior, check your home for drafts. Remember, heat loss causes your furnace to work harder than necessary to warm your home.

How to Prevent Heat Loss

Caulk and Weatherstrip Gaps

Start by sealing the gaps around your windows, doors and other openings with caulk and weatherstripping. Caulk is ideal for non-moving gaps like the window trim. Meanwhile, weatherstripping is best for moving gaps like the doors and operable windows. Be sure to upgrade old and worn-out weatherstripping.

Insulate the Walls and Floors

Next, add or upgrade insulation in your walls and floors. Your walls especially contribute to a lot of heat loss because of gaps, cracks and poor or no insulation. Depending on the material, possible methods include fiberglass batts and rigid foam boards. If you’re worried or inexperienced, consider hiring a professional to insulate these areas.

Upgrade Your Attic’s Insulation

Heat rises and can escape through an attic with poor or no insulation. Fortunately, you can add blown-in, fiberglass batt or spray foam insulation. Once again, contact a professional if you’re unsure of how to properly insulate your attic.

Seal and Insulate Ductwork

After cleaning your ductwork, apply a foil-faced or fiberglass insulation around the ducts. Next, secure the insulation with foil tape. This method prevents heat loss before it even reaches your vents.

Change the Air Filters

It’s difficult for air to flow through your home with clogged air filters. Therefore, you’re losing air that could be warming your home. Changing your air filters every three months improves air flow and keeps your furnace from overworking.

Keep the Vents Clear

Blocked vents also cause heat loss because the warm air cannot enter your home. Walk through your home and ensure furniture, decor, rugs and other items are not blocking the heating vents. Imagine how much warmer your home will feel once the vents are clear.

Use Insulated Curtains and Blinds

Add more warmth to your home with insulated curtains and blinds, such as thermal/energy-saving curtains and cellular shades. Keeping these window treatments closed at night enhances your window’s insulation by blocking the cold air. Plus, they come in various designs to fit your home’s interior, allowing you to combine function with style.

Close the Fireplace Damper

When you’re not using your fireplace, ensure the damper is always closed. This way, warm air cannot escape up the chimney. It also keeps the cold air from entering your home. If necessary, you can also install a draft stopper as an extra layer of protection.

Consider Installing Door Sweeps

Another area that causes a significant amount of heat loss is the base of exterior doors. Luckily, door sweeps are easy to find and install, especially adhesive-back or slide-on products. Door sweeps seal the gap at the base of the door, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in. Moreover, door sweeps are a cost-effective solution for preventing drafts.

Contact a Professional Technician

If your home is properly sealed and insulated but still experiencing heat loss, contact a technician in Murfreesboro. While the issue may be with clogged air filters or vents, a faulty furnace is also a possible cause. A professional can inspect your furnace to determine if you need a repair or replacement. Additionally, you can hire a technician for regular maintenance, ensuring your HVAC system is ready for winter.

Schedule HVAC Services With A/C Plus Heating & Cooling Today

Our business has been offering top-notch HVAC services throughout Murfreesboro since 1997. With decades of experience, we ensure our technicians undergo training in a range of heating and cooling services. For instance, you can trust our experts to assist with furnace repair, installation and maintenance. We also offer HVAC system replacement and new construction HVAC, ensuring your home is always comfortable. Furthermore, we provide 24-hour HVAC services with a prompt response time to ensure your heat is working again soon. Our company is proud to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can also check out our high ratings on Google, Facebook, Yelp and Angi.

If you need help determining the next step to heat loss, contact A/C Plus Heating & Cooling in Murfreesboro for more information.