February 2004
Q. WHY IS MY HOME COLD??
Good question and it's one that could have many answers. It could be very complex reasons that go right back to the construction of your home or it could be something very simple like air leakage. To keep this article size in check, I will address a few in point form.
1) Windows are the #1 source of heat loss. Glass has very little insulation
value irregardless of whether they are new or old. Leakage around the
glass or around the framework must be caulked and sealed. Window coverings
such as heavy drapes or blinds help, but can also be a problem with condensation.
2) Your home may simply not have enough insulation. If your home is older
you will probably have 3½" of insulation as compared to newer
homes, which have 5½" of insulation or more. Cold air will
penetrate into the wall. If the wall is too thin, then the cold air will
go right through. If the wall is thick, the cold air will penetrate to
a given point in that wall and stop…before it can enter your home.
3) You may have a poorly designed heating system. Some folks shop by price
only and… as you've heard before…"You get what you pay
for". Doing something right usually costs more than doing something
wrong (heating or otherwise). Ductwork layout and sizing is so important.
Are there cold returns in all your rooms? The proper circulation of warm
air is as important as the delivery.
4) Doors are a common source of lost heat. A simple look at how the door
meets the weather stripping is all that is required to spot this problem.
Even the very small opening where the side weather strip meets the threshold
weather strip allows a lot of cold air into your home.
At this time of year sales flyers are full of products to solve some of the above problems. Lumber supply and hardware staff are usually quite knowledgeable and can help you in making the right choices. More major problems may require calling a tradesman or window supplier. Take some time and make those fixes. The payback is there.
Call us at 548-3137 with any questions.