Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Insulating your home is thoughtful as it lowers the need for constant heating and cooling. Every homeowner with a heating and cooling system knows how much energy the system consumes and how energy bills can pile up within a month.
Insulating and weatherizing a home is for both warm and cold months to keep the house’s interior comfortable. It also saves on energy bills and ensures the HVAC is running efficiently.
Insulating or weatherizing your home improves airtightness and the ability of the house to retain cooled or heated air. Below are essential steps to effectively insulate and weatherize to make your home energy-efficient, comfortable, and cheap.
Change Air Filters
The role of air filters in an HVAC system is to filter dirt, debris, and dust to allow the HVAC to operate efficiently.
Once the dirt accumulates on the filters, the system does not work efficiently in purifying the air and providing enough heating or cooling.
The dirt hinders proper airflow and the removal of pollutants from indoors. Therefore, depending on the air filters in your system, it is advisable to clean air filters regularly and change them after 30-90 days.Â
Check Ceiling Fans
The ceiling fans are vital in cooling the house and circulating the air. Therefore, check them regularly to ensure they are running in the correct direction to ensure the warm air is pushed down during cold months and pushed up during warm ones.
A ceiling fan supports the HVAC in heating the house since it circulates the air, so the system will not need to work hard.Â
Seal Air Leaks
It is essential to check the windows and doors for cracks and open spaces. Whether you want to cool or heat your home, the last thing you wish is for the air to escape through the cracks and openings you may not have noticed. Therefore, ensure your house is airtight to prevent air from escaping.
Weatherstripping or caulking are ideal for windows and doors to prevent air from leaking. For instance, silicone caulk is high quality, making it perfect for weatherproof holds.
They are simple DIY solutions to lower heating or cooling energy bills. You may also upgrade your windows if they are already old. Other places that may require sealing include the attic, ducts, porch roofs, etc.
Lower the Thermostat
You will save a lot of money by lowering your thermostat’s temperature. Before you turn it up, look for other ways of keeping yourself warm, like wearing socks and throwing a blanket on yourself.
The body adjusts with time, and you can enjoy the warmth and lower the heating bill simultaneously. Investing in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature while you are in and out of the house is a good idea.
Schedule for HVAC Maintenance
HVAC maintenance is simple, but homeowners skip it. Ensuring the HVAC system is serviced by a professional at least twice a year is highly recommended.
Even when the system works well, HVAC preventive maintenance is crucial to prolong its life, address issues before they happen, and ensure the system is efficient. Preventive care helps you avoid costly replacements or repairs.
In conclusion, there are many ways you can weatherize your home. Prepare your home for the weather by sealing cracks, checking the ceiling fans, and maintaining your HVAC.Â
References:
- Henkel. (2023, October 2). The best silicone sealants for your projects. https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/know-how/build-things/best-silicone-sealant.html
- Lacoma, T. (2023, September 8). Are smart thermostats worth it? Family Handyman. https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/why-install-a-smart-thermostat/
