As the temps continue to get cooler, the last thing you want to have to worry about is keeping a comfortable home. It would be great to be lounging around on the couch enjoying the cozy warmth of your home and not thinking twice about what’s taking place outside. Of course, it may not be that easy, and there are a few items that could be taking place in your home that may require furnace repair or a higher than normal energy bill.
There are a number of causes for a rise in your energy expenses, but we will share some of the most common reasons.
- Heat is getting out through the glass of your windows – the glass on your windows are cold from the outdoor temps and when the warm air makes contact, the indoor air becomes cooler. One way to help reduce the loss of heat is to make sure you’ve closed your drapes during the evening hours and only opening drapes on windows receiving light during the day.
- Lack of attic insulation – if your home is older, there’s a possibility that there is insufficient insulation. This means you could be losing heat through your attic, which forces your furnace to work harder to keep up, and may eventually result in furnace repair. When you go to check out your attic’s insulation, you’ll want to see if the insulation is even or below the joists. When the insulation is even or below the joists, you likely need more insulation.
- Gaps in windows and doors – sometimes these gaps are more obvious and visible to the naked eye or large enough to feel drafts coming in, but sometimes that may not be the case. Be sure to thoroughly look at all of your windows and doors to establish whether you need to add weather stripping to take care of those gaps. Just like it is with attic insulation, window and door gaps can make your furnace work harder, making the possibility of furnace repair later even greater.
We hope these three tips can help you identify any problem-spaces in your home that could be inhibiting the comfort of your home. Our experts are available to answer any of your questions about furnaces, repair or indoor comfort, give us a call at 541-286-6617.