Keeping your home warm during the winter months can be a constant challenge. This is especially true for those that live in older homes as they may not be aware of the steps that they can take to keep these homes warm.

Avoid Relying Excessively On Space Heaters

When the temperature drops to extreme lows, it is possible for the heating system that is currently in your home to become overwhelmed. This could make it extremely difficult to keep the interior at a comfortable temperature. To combat this, a homeowner may be tempted to use space heaters. While this can be a temporary solution, it can pose its own set of problems. One example of this could be the fact that these heaters will require far more energy than a central heating system. Additionally, the use of space heaters can create fire hazards and risk damage to the electrical system of the building. If you are finding that your heating system is unable to keep the home warm, opting to upgrade it can be a more effective long-term solution than the use of these smaller heaters.

Keep Track Of When Basic Maintenance Has Been Done To The System

Homeowners that neglect their heating systems may find that they are simply not as efficient as they need to warm their homes while keeping costs down. Furthermore, a poorly maintained heating system can be far more likely to suffer an unexpected breakdown, which could leave the interior of the home frigid. To avoid these issues, a homeowner should make an effort to document the dates when routine maintenance is done to their system. This should include changing the air filter, cleaning the unit, calibrating the thermostat and having the system professionally serviced. By keeping track of these dates, you can easily review the particular work that needs to be done.

Assess The Home For Interior Drafts And Other Sources Of Heat Loss

Over the years, the interior of your home could have developed a number of drafts and other sources of heat loss. Inspect the areas near the windows for cracks and gaps can potentially identify these issues so that they can be sealed with caulk. The exterior doors can be another common source of these issues, but the doors may have weatherstripping around the edges that can prevent drafts. If these seals degrade, you may feel cold air seeping into the home. Addressing these two common sources of heat loss may be enough to drastically boost the efficiency of your home's system.

Talk to an HVAC contractor to learn more about heating systems. 

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