The winter months in Boston are cold, cold, cold!
While there’s no way to avoid this when you’re outdoors, you don’t want to feel the chill in the comfort of your own home.
Even if your furnace is in good working condition, too much heat loss can chill your home and cost you money. Rather than fight this uphill battle until warmer temperatures arrive, here are five ways to stop heat loss in your home.
Use Window Shrink Film Kits
Get this: a window shrink film kit can increase the R-value of your windows by as much as 90 percent.[i]
This is not typically necessary if you have modern, double-pane windows, but it can do wonders for older homes with original, single-pane windows.
Replacing your old windows is the more convenient option (more on this below), but it may not work for you from a financial perspective. In this case, a window shrink film kit is the way to go.
Insulate or Better Insulate Your Home
Even if you live in a newer home, you may come to find that it wasn’t properly insulated. Answer these questions:
- Are all your exterior walls insulated?
- Is your attic insulated?
- Is your garage insulated?
- Is your basement insulated?
Furthermore, even if you have insulation in all the right places, it may be have been improperly installed or of low quality.
Replace Old Doors and Windows
Old doors and windows have a way of letting warm air out and cold air in.[ii] Furthermore, it only takes a small crack for heat loss to become a major problem.
If you’ve tried everything possible to seal your doors and windows but are still losing heat, consider replacing them.
Yes, it’s a big project. And yes, it’ll set you back thousands of dollars. However, once the job is done, your home will be more energy efficient than ever before. Not to mention the improved curb appeal and added value to your home.
Use Curtains
It’s important to let natural light in during the winter months, as you don’t get to spend as much time outdoors. But don’t leave your curtains open all day and night, as this promotes heat loss.[iii]
For example, if you have heavy duty curtains, pull them closed to prevent heat loss. If they’re in front of a window that tends to let in cold air, curtains can also stop it from reaching your living space.
Tip: be careful that your curtains don’t cover vents or radiators.
Install a Ductless Heating System
Did you know that many homes lose heat through its ductwork? When this happens, you’re spending money to heat the inside of your walls, not your living space. Subsequently, you’ll find it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature.
With a ductless heating system, this is never a concern. Hot air, with the help of a heat pump, is forced into your living space via strategically placed units.
If your current HVAC system is struggling to keep your home warm, it’s time to pinpoint the primary causes of heat loss.
Contact us for more information on the benefits of a ductless heating system, including improved energy efficiency, money savings, and more.