Winter is here and it is safe to say that the cold weather is beginning to creep in. Now is the time to start thinking about heating options for your home.
Home heat loss refers to the amount of heat that escapes from a building through its walls, roof, windows, doors, and other openings. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including poor insulation, air leaks, and inefficient heating systems.
A home that loses heat quickly can be difficult to keep warm, even with a good heating system. This can result in cold spots, drafts, and uneven heating, making it less comfortable to live in.
Cold and damp homes can also contribute to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma.
The more energy we use to heat our homes, the more greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere. By reducing heat loss, we can help to reduce our environmental impact.
To reduce heat loss from our homes, we can take a range of measures to improve energy efficiency, save money on energy bills, and create a more comfortable and healthy living environment.
Install Insulation
One way to help prevent heat loss in your home without using an airconditioner is by using quality insulation and replacing old deteriorating insulation.
Insulation works by trapping air in small pockets within its fibers. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so the trapped air in the insulation slows down the movement of heat. This means that heat is retained within the home for longer, reducing the need for heating systems to work as hard to keep your house warm.
Insulation is typically installed in the walls, roof, and floors of a home. It can be made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam.
By adding insulation to a home, homeowners can create a more energy-efficient living space. Insulation can help to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions by reducing the amount of energy required to heat a home.
Additionally, insulation can help to create a more comfortable living environment by reducing drafts and cold spots, improving indoor air quality, and minimising noise transmission from outside.
Plug Your Chimney
Plugging a chimney is a common way to reduce heat energy loss from a home, especially if the chimney is not being used.
Before plugging a chimney, it is important to clean out any debris or soot that may be inside. This will ensure that the plug fits securely and there are no fire hazards.
There are several types of chimney plugs available, including inflatable plugs, chimney balloons, and chimney caps. Make sure you choose a plug that is right for your chimney size and shape.
Draught Proof Your Home
Draught proofing windows and doors is an effective way to prevent losing heat from your home and letting outside air in.
Look for any gaps and air leakage around window and door frames where air may be leaking.
There are several types of insulating material that can be used to draught proof windows and doors, including weatherstripping, draught excluders, and sealant.
Once you fill all the gaps, test for leaks by running your hand around the edges of the window or door. If you can feel any air coming through, you may need to add more filler.
Draught proofing windows and doors cannot only help to reduce heat loss from a home, it can also help to reduce noise pollution and keep out insects and other pests.
Put A Timer On An Extractor Fan
Putting a timer on an extractor fan is a useful way to prevent heat escape and improve energy efficiency in a home.
An extractor fan that is left running for long periods of time can use a significant amount of energy and can take out a lot of heat from your home. By using a timer to automatically turn off the fan after a set period of time, you can keep more heat in.
Install Curtains
Curtains can help to keep in heat by providing an additional layer of insulation between the interior of a home and the cold air outside.
Curtains can act as an insulator by creating a barrier between the window and the room reducing heat transfer. This barrier helps to prevent cold air from entering the room and warm air from escaping.
When sunlight enters a room through the window, it heats up the air inside. Curtains can help to trap this warm air inside the room, preventing it from escaping through the window.
Even well-insulated windows can have gaps or cracks around the edges that allow cold air to enter the room. Curtains can also help to block drafts by creating a seal around the window, which reduces the amount of cold air entering the room.
The best kind of curtains to help reduce heat loss are those made of thick, heavy fabrics such as velvet or wool. Hang the curtains close to the window, allowing them to create a seal around the edges. Open the curtains during the day to allow sunlight to enter and warm up the room, and close them at night to keep the warm air inside.
Add Carpet Or Rugs To Your Floors
Adding carpet or rugs to a house can help to prevent heat loss by providing an additional layer of insulation on the floor.
Carpets and rugs help to trap air, slowing down the movement of heat from the room to the floor.
Carpets and rugs also provide a more comfortable surface to walk on, making the home feel warmer and more inviting.
To maximise the heat-retention benefits of carpet or rugs, choose thick, high-pile carpets or rugs made from natural fibers such as wool. This will provide the best insulation and help to keep the room warmer.
Install Energy Efficient Windows
Energy-efficient windows help to prevent heat loss by reducing the amount of heat that can escape through the windows.
Energy-efficient windows often have double or triple panes of glass with an insulating layer of air in between. This creates an additional barrier that helps to prevent heat loss through the window.
Energy-efficient windows are also designed to have tight seals around the edges, preventing air leaks and reducing drafts.
Do You Need An Air Conditioner?
If you have taken all the measures above but still need some extra heat in your home, it may be time to install an air conditioner.
If you are looking for reliable and high-quality air conditioning solutions in the South West, look no further than Busselton Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
Contact our experienced team today or visit our website to find out more about our services.