Heat escaping from your home increases your energy costs and produces a drafty, chilly indoor environment. Here are four things you can do to reduce heat loss in your home, lower energy bills and stay comfortable this winter.
1 – UPGRADE YOUR INSULATION
Your home can lose heat through your roof, walls and floors. The number one thing you can do to prevent heat loss is to ensure you have the best possible insulation. Top off the insulation in your attic and walls with blown-in cellulose insulation that fills the gaps in your existing materials and adds layers over your ceiling. Adding this extra insulation is like putting a blanket over your house to keep warm air inside.
2 – UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS
Inefficient windows and doors are a significant factor in home heat loss. Investing in new, EnergyStar-approved windows can save you hundreds of dollars annually in lower energy bills.
When choosing new windows, consider low-emittance glass (low-E). It’s a high-performance, energy-efficient glass made with an invisible coating that blocks heat flow, keeping warm air where it belongs: inside during the winter and outside during the summer. Other benefits of low-E glass include:
More comfortable humidity levels in your home
Reduced condensation and fogging on your windows
Reduced UV ray penetration
Year-round energy savings
You may be eligible for financial assistance for your insulation, windows and doors through the Canada Greener Homes Grant. If new windows and doors aren’t in your budget, check for gaps in your window frames and ensure your window seals are tight. Install weather-stripping around your doors to prevent drafts.
3 – CHECK YOUR CHIMNEY
An unused chimney can allow a lot of heat to escape. If you have an old fireplace that you never use, get your chimney capped by a professional. If you still use your fireplace occasionally, you can install a chimney balloon to prevent heat from rising up and out of your house when you’re not using it.
4 - INSTALL A TIMER ON YOUR EXTRACTOR FANS
If you forget to turn off your bathroom extractor fan, you could be blowing warm air outside for hours. Install a timer on your extractor fan so it turns itself off automatically after your shower.
WINDOW INSTALLATION SERVICE IN EDMONTON
At All-West Glass, we can deliver and install energy-efficient EnergyStar-approved windows with low-E glazing for optimal comfort. Our experienced and highly trained technicians will install your windows for maximum efficiency and durability. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your home more comfortable. We serve residential and commercial customers from 19 locations across northwestern Canada.