Are you ready for the colder winter months? Many people concentrate on their own needs and those of their family, but they neglect their homes entirely. The colder months of the year can be a testing time for your home as it is subject to a great deal of stress. Of course, much of this is caused by colder weather, but there are also greater demands on heating, air circulation, and insulation systems. Here are six top tips that if followed should get your home “tuned up” for a busy winter of heating.
1. Check Your Duct System for Air Leaks
Many people believe that their doors and windows are the main reason for air leaks in their homes. According to recent research released by the Department of Energy, this is incorrect. In fact, most air leads are caused by cracks, gaps, and disconnections in the duct system. In a typical air duct system, this translates into a loss of between 25% and 40% of the energy that is being generated by your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump.
2. Close Crawlspace Vents for Winter
If your home has any crawlspaces, make sure that the vents are closed for the winter. They need to be open in spring and during fall, but closed in winter and spring. Vents that are left open in summer actually bring more unwanted moisture which is contrary to conventional opinions. Drying out crawlspaces by covering exposed soil with à plastic vapor barrier and installing insulation would be an ideal permanent solution, but it is beyond the scope of this article.
3. Have an Infiltrometer Test Carried Out
An infiltrometer or “blower door” test will pinpoint any areas in your system that have air leaks. It will measure how leaky your home is or determine if your home is actually too airtight. In the case of the former, the leaks can be sealed, and the latter can inhibit the flow of fresh air, so mechanical ventilation solutions can be fitted.
4. Replace Your Air Filters
The air filters on your furnace or heat pump should be replaced monthly to ensure that they are working efficiently. If your system is an electronic air cleaner, it needs to be regularly cleaned. Another option is to ask your heating contractor about installing a high efficiency air filter. The newer air filters can capture over 90% of the particles that you don’t want in your home.
5. Have Your Heating System Cleaned
A professional heating contractor can carry out a thorough cleaning of your heating system. This will reduce the chances of the heating system breaking down when it is most needed and improve the energy efficiency. This is a great investment as you could recoup any costs incurred in energy savings alone over the duration of winter.
6. Replace Your Old Furnace
Like most tools and equipment, a furnace or a heat pump will not last forever. It is necessary to periodically upgrade your equipment to get the best energy efficiency. A system that is over 12 years old should be considered for replacement before it lets you down and fails permanently. Newer systems can be almost twice as efficient as obsolete equipment, they are also more dependable and safer to use.