Fall has hit Ontario with a vengeance and we don’t know about you but we’ve already broken out our comfy socks and sweaters. Though there’s something to be said for spending chilly evenings sat around a warm fire and sipping on hot chocolate, there’s nothing fun about trying to live in a house that’s cold and draughty. Frozen fingers, anyone?
Poor Insulation
You wouldn’t head out into the winter cold without a proper jacket and boots to keep you warm, and a house needs proper insulation to do the same. A home without sufficient insulation will suffer from heat loss and draughts that can leave you shaking and shivering. Think of insulation as a sweater, keeping warm air inside your home where you want it.
Signs you may need to upgrade your insulation situation:
- Your walls are cold to the touch
- Floors are cold
- High heating costs
- Uneven heating levels within the home
- Mould growing on your walls
Cracks In Doors & Windows
Did you know that as much as a third of your home’s heat can be lost through gaps and cracks in your windows and doors? Check around window and door frames for draughts. If you find any cracks along the window edges, there are a few things you can do:
1) Seal the cracks with caulk or apply weather stripping to prevent heat loss.
2) If you don’t want to install new windows, opt for installing storm windows and doors over existing frames. They improve energy efficiency without damaging the integrity or character of existing windows.
3) Replace your older windows and doors with new, energy efficient models.
Broken Heating System
Though you rarely see or think of it (until something goes wrong), your furnace or heating system is the heart of your home, and when it isn’t operating at full capacity you really notice. It’s important to do your own regular maintenance checks of your HVAC system to ensure it’s running efficiently. If your system isn’t working, set up an appointment with a professional to inspect it – they will perform a full maintenance check and let you know if it’s operating efficiently. If it isn’t, they can make recommendations on a new one.
The average Canadian household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills, and for every $10 spent on energy, homeowners spend an average of $6 heating and cooling their homes. At Geroge Kent, we know how important is to keep your family comfortable and safe, which is why we offer Link Home Services, a service focused on boosting the heart of your home.
A George Kent Efficiency Consultant will asses the energy efficiency of your home and equipment. We arrange a series of tests such as an air leakage blow test to identify problem areas, and set an appointment with you to repair and install home equipment to improve your overall home efficiency. To set up an appointment, contact us today!
