The colder months in Northern Virginia bring a desire to maximize comfort while optimizing energy efficiency. In this post, we’ll look into the practical ways to remediate areas of potential heat loss as well as offer recommendations on how to ensure effective home care this winter—even when you’re away.
5 Ways to Help Ensure Effective Home Heating
Central Heating System
A central heating system, such as a furnace or heat pump, are common choices among NoVa homeowners. Furnaces, using either gas or electric power, generate warm air that is distributed through ductwork. Heat pumps transfer heat between the indoors and outdoors. Choosing the right heating system depends on factors such as initial cost, fuel availability, and long-term operational efficiency.
Insulation
Efficient insulation, with adequate insulation in the walls, attic and floors helps create a thermal barrier, reducing the workload on heating systems and lowering energy bills. Regular inspection and maintenance of insulation is required to ensure its effectiveness over time.
Weather Sealing
Windows and doors are potential heat loss sources if not properly sealed. Invest in energy-efficient windows with double- or triple-pane glass and proper weatherstripping for doors. Additionally, using heavy curtains during winter can provide an extra layer of insulation to help retain indoor heat.
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable or smart thermostats enable homeowners to regulate the home heating temperature based on their daily routines. By lowering temperatures when the house is unoccupied or during sleeping hours, homeowners can achieve substantial energy savings without compromising comfort. Regularly check and calibrate your thermostats to ensure accurate temperature control.
Renewable Energy Sources
In some localities, renewable energy sources like solar panels or geothermal heat pumps may be an option to harness the sun’s energy, supplement traditional heating systems, and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
Where Can You Be Losing Heat in Your Home?
Identifying and addressing areas where heat loss could be occurring in your home in winter is essential for both comfort and energy efficiency. Places to check include:
- Windows and doors. Feel for cold air around the edges. This may indicate gaps or inadequate weatherstripping. Inspect the window seal condition, looking for damage or wear.
- Insulation. Look for signs of wear or damage, insufficient insulation or visible gaps.
- Ductwork. Inspect ducts for leaks or gaps and seal them accordingly. These ensure that the warm air generate by your heating system reaches its intended destination.
- Building Envelope. Check for gaps and cracks around utility penetrations, pipes or vents. Even small openings can allow cold air to penetrate your home. Seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Energy bills. Monitor energy bills for unusual consumption spikes. This can be an indirect indicator of heat loss that may require a more thorough inspection.
How Can a Home Watch Professional Protect your Home’s Heating While You’re Away?
One of the primary benefits of a Home Watch service is the ability to monitor and adjust your home heating settings to ensure your heating system is operating effectively, and only when necessary. They can also monitor for leaks, and ensure that windows, doors and other potential leakage points are properly sealed. If issues are discovered, they can recommend repairs or improvements to help reduce the workload on your heating system.
Your Home Watch professional performs inspections on each visit and is trained to spot areas of inadequate insulation, and can identify drafts. Some can even use infrared technology to detect air leaks.
In the event of extreme weather, your Home Watch professional can take preventive measures to protect your home, such as securing the home against storms, checking for frozen pipes, and ensuring that everything is working properly following a power outage. They can also arrange for snow and storm debris removal. And don’t forget—required maintenance tasks like filter changes can also be arranged.
Contact Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge for Winter Home Care
No matter whether you have an older home or a new one, heat loss can be averted with some simple care. These measures are not merely winter preparations, but investments in long-term comfort and sustainability.
If you’re planning to be away for an extended period over the winter, trust Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge to care for your Northern Virginia home as if it were their own. Contact Golden Rule today at 855-928-2424 for a free consultation.