By Brooke Chaplan
Both the intense summer heat and the frigid winter air will often target your house. While it may seem hopeless to defend your home from the fluctuating weather conditions, doing so will help you minimize your energy bill. Below are several tips to keep your home comfortable regardless of the external temperature.
Adequate Home Insulation
Properly insulating your home is like putting a warm comforter around the house. It prevents heat from escaping during the winter and keeps cool air from escaping during the summer. Insulation helps regulate airflow. In addition to insulating the walls, make sure that your garage, attic, and crawlspace are insulated. If not, these areas could allow the air from your HVAC system to escape.
Air Seal Your Home
Proper air sealing complements insulation. While insulation prevents heat penetration, air sealing prevents outside air from getting inside. If insulation is like a comforter, air sealing is like a windbreaker on top of the comforter. The combination of insulation and air sealing can help your home stand up to whatever the summer or winter throws at it. Sealing the gaps in your walls and windows will minimize drafts of air from entering your property.
Install Quality Windows
Your windows are the primary source of heat escaping your home during the winter and heat entering your home during the summer. Double-pane windows can help you have more control over the temperature within your home. Of course, getting new windows is not always an instant solution. You will need to combine quality windows with other energy-saving tips to have the most control over your home’s internal temperature.
HVAC Maintenance
Keeping your HVAC system in good condition is essential to keeping your home comfortable. It ensures that your HVAC system is working as it should. Maintenance includes inspecting the wiring, lubricating and cleaning components, checking the fuel line, and identifying potential mechanical issues that require repair. If you do not possess the experience or equipment needed to maintain your system, consider reaching out to a heating maintenance professional who has serviced systems like yours in the past.
Additionally, having your HVAC system cared for is good for your family’s health. A dirty air filter or furnace means that more pollutants are accumulating within your home's indoor air. During an annual furnace maintenance appointment, technicians ensure that your unit is free of mildew, contaminants, and mold. This affects your indoor air quality and your health.
Finally, furnace and air conditioning maintenance extend the life of your HVAC system. Preventative maintenance addresses issues before they become expensive replacements or repairs. The better the condition of your furnace, the longer it will last. If it is maintained properly, your HVAC system could last up to 20 years.
You want your furnace and your air conditioning system to be at peak performance so that it is ready to run when you need them. This way, your home will continue to be a haven from the summer’s heat and the winter's cold.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger based in New Mexico. Her first passion is journalism, but she also loves hiking and gardening. Brooke recommends working with a reputable professional when you need help with heating maintenance. Find her on Twitter and Facebook: @BrookeChaplan; https://www.facebook.com/brooke.chaplan
