Many times when homeowners notice a spike in their energy bill, the problem stems from air drafts somewhere in the house. These air leaks force your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy to maintain consistent temperatures indoors. Fortunately, an HVAC contractor can help you identify leaks and determine how to resolve them. Here’s what you need to know. 

Why Is Your Home Drafty?

1. Poor Home Insulation

Insulation is vital for slowing heat loss or gain in specific areas of your home. However, 9 out of 10 U.S. homes are under-insulated, which means they waste energy and money to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Insulation is particularly a concern in the attic during winter. Because warm air rises, a poorly insulated attic is more susceptible than other parts of the home to heat loss, which can make your indoors drafty and uncomfortable. Hire an HVAC contractor to assess whether or not you have an insulation problem.

2. Old Doors & Windows

HVAC contractors may also determine that your old doors and windows are the cause of your drafty house. Gas argon is often used to fill in between the layers of glass in a double- or triple-paned window for insulation. If the window becomes damaged or old, the argon may leak out, and the window will lose its energy-efficiency.

Doors and windows can also wear out and warp over time, leading air to seep through their perimeter and causing a draft. You can resolve the problem by hanging thick, energy-efficient curtains in front of the windows. Another solution is to replace your old doors and windows with new, better-insulated ones.

3. Gaps Around Fixtures

Aside from checking your doors and windows for air leaks, make sure electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, and AC units do not have gaps around them that can bring in a draft. If so, seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping. Fireplaces can also be an entry point for cold air when it’s not in use, so remember to keep the damper closed.

This winter, keep your home warm and toasty by taking steps to keep out the draft, including hiring a qualified HVAC contractor to inspect and maintain your heating system. Donovan & Jorgenson in Greater Milwaukee, WI, has been providing reliable air conditioning and furnace repairs since 1985. For a complete list of their services, visit them online.