While not everyone enjoys winter, most people do enjoy a cozy home. Unfortunately though, many homes aren’t as cozy as they could be due to drafts, cold spots, and hot spots. So if you’re home doesn’t feel as warm and inviting as you want it to, one of these common reasons could be to blame.
Air leakage
Air leakage is one of the top reasons for drafty, uncomfortable homes. Not only does this let out your cool air all summer, it lets in the cold air all winter. If you have an older house, air might even be coming in through baseboards and electrical receptacles. This can be greatly minimized by using weather stripping to seal up leaks around windows and doors. If your windows are very old, you might want to consider upgrading them as well. While this is a larger fix, it has cost-saving benefits that last for years and can improve the value of your home.
Poorly placed thermostat
Your thermostat is the heart of your heating and cooling system. It acts as the control center, telling your system when to kick on and when the temperature is just right. To work properly, however, the thermostat must be in the right position. For instance, if it is near a vent, it might be turning off too early as it warms up with the flow of warm air. If it is by a window or door that opens often, it might get blasts of cold air and turn on too often. So if you’re always too hot or too cold, you might need to look at the placement of the thermostat.
Leaking or unsealed ducts
The ducts take nice, warm air all over your home. This delivers each room the right amount of warm air to keep your home comfortable. All too often, though, the ducts themselves are the problem. Ducts wind their way through your home and they have joints, bends, and curves along the way. Every joint is an opportunity for a leak, as is every time the duct meets the vent. Properly sealing the ducts can help make sure that all the air that is supposed to reach the room actually ends up at the vent.
These are a few of the things that can lead to drafty homes this winter. If you’re not sure what’s causing drafts in your home, give us a call and we’ll help you figure out how to make your home warm and cozy all winter long!