How To Winterize Your Home 

When the cold, winter wind begins to blow, there is nothing like the comfort that comes from a warm cozy house. However, the idyllic, Christmas card scene does not always reflect reality. Sometimes the setting on the thermostat does not result in a comfortable home; this is especially true for older homes.

During the 1970s, the world faced two energy shortages (intentionally created) which affected the availability of fuel for residential heating during some very cold winters. Federal agencies began ramping up research on construction methods and materials; the research has led to building code changes and common construction principles.

The building envelope of modern homes prevents the ready movement of air between indoor and outdoor spaces, but older homes are quite porous. If you own an older home, here are some tips to Winterize your home and make it comfortable all winter long.

1 Add Attic Insulation to Winterize Your Home

Since heat rises, start by stopping the movement of heat and air through the ceiling into the attic. The majority, approximately 80%, of heat loss from a home, escapes into the attic. The density of insulation blocks the movement of heat from the attic into the home during the summer months and the movement of heat from the home into the attic during the winter. Each attic is different, so do some research into the most efficient insulation for your home.

2 Insulate the Walls to Winterize Your Home

Uninsulated walls result in the free movement of air during windy days and occupants feel a draft of cold air moving inside the home. Depending on the age of your home, the walls may have no insulation or be poorly insulated. Adding insulation to existing walls is difficult, but it can be done. Another wall insulation technique is adding foam outlet/switch kits to minimize air movement from wall outlets.

3 Inspect Windows and Doors

Older homes settle and this can result in gaps forming around doors or windows. These gaps are actually holes in the building envelope, allowing air, moisture, and pests to move freely. Closing these gaps is advisable for a number of reasons; we are looking at comfort and plugging the gaps will definitely improve indoor comfort. Caulk is a good solution to fill gaps around the window and door frames. Weatherproofing material can be used to fill the gaps in doors and windows. In addition to the gaps, consider replacing single-pane windows and using weatherproofing material

4 Use Solar Gain

Even on cold, windy days, sunny days can contribute to making your home comfortable. Opening the drapes and blinds on the south side of your house can increase the indoor air temperature by 10⁰ for a few hours. Since winter days are short, be prepared to close the blinds when the sun goes down. If your windows are old and replacing them is not an option, invest in heavy drapes to block the movement of heat through the windows.

5 Don’t Forget the Fireplace

A fireplace with an open flue is a direct route for hot air to escape from your home. If you do not use your fireplace, consider an insulated block to close the opening. Closing a fireplace flue will make an immediate difference, but be sure to remove the block before building a fire.

6 Use Innovative Technology to Winterize Your Home

If your HVAC system is aging (+15 years), your older home could use a system upgrade. If you have added insulation, windows, and doors, the upgrades could make a difference in the size of your system. A new thermostat might automate temperature changes in your home to add comfort during your winter schedule.

Want to Winterize Your Home and You Don’t Know What to Do?

With our four decades of experience as an Air Conditioning contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with the steps to winterize Your AC System and answer questions about how to winterize your air conditioning system.

We have several financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Air Conditioner Tune Up maintenance, repair, and installation needs.