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Staying Home This Valentine’s Day? Make Sure the House Is Warm Enough!

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Three Ways To Optimize a Home’s Heating System for a Romantic Night In

Every couple celebrates Valentine’s Day differently. Some like a night on the town and a fancy dinner, while others prefer a quiet night together at home. Staying in can be romantic, but one thing that’s sure to spoil the mood is a house that won’t stay warm! After all, snuggling up by the fire is nice, but it shouldn’t be the only way to escape the winter chill.

And even when the heater is on and seems to be working fine, some homes still just won’t stay warm enough - which can not only kill the romance but also drive homeowners crazy. So keep reading to find out a few common reasons why a house might not stay warm and how to fix them for good.

Stop Drafts at the Source

Drafts are perhaps the number one reason a home might not be staying warm. As the central heating system pumps warm air into the home, it will naturally rise, as heat tends to do. All this warm air will collect in the attic and try to escape wherever it can. If the attic isn’t adequately insulated or sealed, the warm air will rush out, creating a vacuum effect in the home. So as warm air escapes, a proportionate amount of cold air will be sucked in through any cracks, it can find.

Fortunately, fixing drafts is fairly straightforward. First, insulation can be added to the attic, and any gaps can be sealed with spray foam or caulk. Next, seal off the cracks or holes where cold air gets in. This could mean adding insulation and sealant around where the foundation meets the walls, adding spray foam to large gaps where pipes or electric conduits enter, caulking any smaller gaps, and even adding draft guards to doors.

Install Energy Star Certified Windows

Man installing a window

Old or poorly sealed windows, skylights, and doors are another common source of heat loss in homes. Even if they don’t leak enough to let in a draft, older single-pane windows can act as a perfect medium for heat transfer - when the glass itself gets cold, it will draw heat from the home’s interior.

Many homeowners can benefit from installing Energy Star certified windows at the very least. These typically have durable frames designed to reduce heat transfer and feature two or more panes, often with gases like argon or krypton between each pane for enhanced insulation. Outfitting a home with these windows can improve comfort and help homeowners save money on utility costs by contributing to a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system.

Be Sure To Hire a Reputable Contractor for Any Work

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While fixing drafts and upgrading the windows are fairly straightforward solutions in principle, they can be much more difficult and require extensive work. For that reason, it’s generally best to hire a pro - especially where window installation is concerned. But when hiring a heating contractor, it’s important to find someone trustworthy who knows what they’re doing.

Firstly, any HVAC contractor should be fully licensed and insured. Licensing means that they are trained and certified in the latest standards and codes and are legally allowed to perform HVAC work in their state. Insurance means that the homeowners or the technician won’t be personally responsible if anything happens during work that results in injury or property damage.

Secondly, it’s a good idea to read reviews about a heating company to see what their customers have to say. If they have a good track record, an overwhelming majority of positive reviews, and a generally good average rating, it’s a good sign. It’s well worth the little bit of research to get the peace of mind that comes with hiring a solid company!

About Elite Electric & Air

Elite Electric & Air has been the trusted name for all things HVAC along the Treasure Coast for over 25 years. They offer up-front pricing, financing, a beneficial loyalty program, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Their friendly, trustworthy experts are available 24/7, 365 days a year, so don’t wait to call Elite for professional AC and heating services in Jupiter, FL!