How to Prevent Heat Loss in Older Homes This Winter

Older homes have a lot of character, but they can also come with their share of challenges, especially when winter rolls around. One of the biggest problems in older homes is heat loss, which can make it harder to keep warm while driving up energy bills. Many older homes lack the modern insulation and energy-efficient features that newer homes have, which makes preventing heat loss even more important.

In Puyallup, WA, we’re focused on helping homeowners address these issues to stay warm and save on energy costs. Let’s look at ways that you can keep heat from escaping and stay cozy.

Search for Drafts and Seal Gaps

Older windows and doors are especially prone to letting cold air in and warm air out. Start by walking around your home and looking for cool spots, especially near the edges of windows or under doors. If you find any, it’s time to seal them up.

You can use caulk to fill in small gaps around windows and doors. For larger spaces, consider using door sweeps or foam strips to seal the bottom of doors. If your windows are extra drafty, you can add plastic film over them to create an extra layer of insulation. These simple fixes will help prevent drafts and keep warm air inside, reducing the workload on your heating system.

Upgrade Your Installation

Older homes often have inadequate insulation, especially in places like the attic and walls. Over time, insulation can settle or become compressed, leaving gaps where heat can escape. To combat this, checking your insulation levels is a good idea. This way, you can add more if you need to. The attic is one of the most important areas to insulate because heat rises, and a lot of it can escape through the roof. You can add insulation in the attic. If your home has space in the walls, you can add blown-in insulation to fill any gaps.

Insulating your pipes is another important step in preventing heat loss. When pipes are insulated, the water inside stays warmer, reducing the chance of freezing during cold spells. Additionally, insulation helps minimize heat loss as hot water moves through the pipes, making your system more efficient overall.

Insulating your water heater can stop heat from leaking out and help your heating system work better. Older water heaters can lose heat over time, making your system work harder and use more energy. By adding insulation, you can keep the heat in and conserve energy.

Upgrading your insulation will not only help keep your home warmer but will also make it more energy-efficient. With better insulation, your home will hold heat more effectively, and you won’t need to rely on your heating system as much.

Add Reflective Window Film

Windows in older homes are often a major source of heat loss, especially if they are single-pane or not properly sealed. One way to boost energy efficiency is by applying reflective window film. This film helps keep the heat inside by reflecting it back into your home during the colder months. It also helps block UV rays, preventing your furniture and floors from fading due to sun exposure.

Reflective window film is relatively easy to install and can be a great option for homes with less energy-efficient windows. In addition to keeping more heat inside, it will make your home more comfortable by reducing drafts near the windows. Consider adding thermal curtains to your windows for an extra layer of protection.

Maintain Your Heating System

Older homes often have older heating systems, which may be less efficient than newer models. It’s important to take care of your heating system by cleaning or changing the air filters, checking for leaks in the ducts, and making sure your furnace or boiler is working well. When your system is well-maintained, it heats your home better, so you don’t need to turn the heat up high. This helps save energy and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature.

If you haven’t already, consider having your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible. They can also check for any issues that could lead to heat loss, such as leaks or blockages in the ductwork.

Call Us Today

Preventing heat loss in older homes doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart upgrades and attention to detail, we can help you make your home warmer and more energy-efficient, no matter how old it is. We also offer indoor air quality, ductwork design and installation, and air purifier services.

Contact Puyallup Heating & Air Conditioning today if you want to upgrade your insulation, run through maintenance checks, and take care of your winter home prep in Puyallup.