Although we generally focus reducing cooling costs with reflective insulation and radiant barriers International Insulation Products can actually reduce the cost of heating your home as well. Below are some tips to help further reduce the cost of heating your home by preventing heated air from escaping out of your home and also by preventing cool air from entering. It should also be noted that while these energy saving points are addressed at residential homes many can also be applied to commercial structures.
Closing a Chimney Flue
Fireplaces can be a great means of lowering heating costs. However, if left open while not in use, a great amount of heat actually escapes the chimney. In recent studies it has been estimated that fourteen percent of a home’s heat can escape through a chimney left open. So the simple solution to prevent this loss of heated air is to close the flue when the fireplace is not being used.
Holes to Your Home Exterior
It is estimated that thirteen percent of a homes heated air can escape through unsealed or improperly insulated passages to the exterior of your home. Common problematic areas are often wire, lighting and pipe passageways. Seeking out these problematic areas and properly sealing or insulating them can result in noticeable heating and cooling savings.
Gaps in Windows
Many windows focus on features that promote energy efficiency. Even still, improper usage or installation can circumvent those features and result in increased heating and cooling cost. It is estimated that in the average homes windows account for ten percent of heated air escaping. Ensure that sashed windows are firmly closed and that weather-stripping is properly blocking all gaps. On both sashed and fixed windows, it is worthwhile to seal any stationary areas.
Unsealed Ducts
Fifteen percent of heated air is estimated to escape through improperly sealed ducts. Many times these leaks can be observed by the layman. However, if ducts can be easily seen then it can be assumed that unseen duct leaks are also allowing heat to escape. It is generally best to contact a specialist if improperly sealed ducts are suspected of allowing air to flow out and into your home.
Door Gaps
We all know that gaps in doorways, generally at the bottom of the door, can allow air to flow between the interior and exterior. This exchange is actually greater when there is a greater difference in the temperature between the air outside your home and the air inside. It is estimated that in the average home doors allow eleven percent of heated air to escape. This number can be greatly reduced by proper use of weather-stripping. If weather-stripping is too unsightly then replacing the door with a properly sized door will also reduce the exchange of interior and exterior air.
Insulation
The greatest loss of heat in the home is through damaged or insufficient insulation. It is estimated that in the average home thirty one percent of heat escapes because of improper insulation. This is one area that International Insulation Products can address and provide solutions. So, should you suspect your heating bills can be reduced by improving insulation, please feel free to contact us for questions and advice.