If you’ve noticed that your energy bills are suspiciously high, despite having energy-efficient HVAC systems and appliances, then some parts of the home may be the culprit. Warm air may enter or exit your house through sneaky leaks and cause your HVAC system to work harder. Your energy bills climb quietly.
To find the source of the leak, check these common problem areas:
Doors
How do you know if warm air leaks through your doors? Here are a few ways to inspect:
- If you can see daylight through the door frame, then it leaks. Air can also pass where light can.
- If you can rattle the door while it’s closed, then it leaks. The movement means there are gaps where air may enter.
The older the door model, the higher the chance that it leaks because of the combination of outdated insulation features and wear and tear.
You may seal the leaks on the door through caulking or weatherstripping. In some cases, however, it’s much more cost-effective to replace a door rather than make repairs. Newer, high-performance doors guarantee better energy efficiency and are less likely to need repairs.
Windows
Windows are one of the biggest culprits behind energy loss. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy states that the heat loss and heat gain through windows are responsible for up to 30% of heating and cooling energy use in the home.
Just like with doors, warm air escapes or enters the home through the small cracks and gaps in the window. If every window in your home leaks, the amount adds up to an expensive energy bill.
Here are a few ways to improve the energy efficiency of your existing windows:
- Caulk and weatherstrip your windows
- Add window treatments, such as roller shades, roman shades, shutters, blinds, curtains, drapes, and more
- Add solar control films to the windows
In some cases, it may be more cost-efficient to replace your windows. Newer models have more air-tight features and are less likely to cause problems.
Roof
Even if you have dependable attic insulation installed properly by licensed technicians, you still contend with one factor that carries a risk of roof leaks: the gutter.
If the water in the gutter doesn’t drain properly, it finds an easier way out. The water may saturate the roof and eventually leak through the insulation. Constant exposure to moisture may be detrimental to insulation. Over time, it hampers the insulation’s function, lets warm air escape or enter, and increases the home’s cooling or heating load. In consequence, your energy bills soar.
Energy leaks are not the only domino effect that a clogged gutter causes. If water doesn’t drain, it seeps through the joints and causes water damage to your walls and the foundation of the home.
Stop these problems at the source with our G.H. Clark’s gutter protection systems in Maryland. These prevent your gutters from being clogged and protect your roof and insulation from water damage.
Make sure no part of your home will cause expensive energy leaks. Get in touch with our team for gutter protection systems or other home improvement services today.