Heat Loss

Home Home and Auto Utilities Heating Heat Loss

Winter is approaching. Would you like to keep the glacial wind out of your house? Are cold floors and drafts common in your house? Will you resign yourselves to feel miserable the whole winter? How informed are you about potential leaks in your house? Do you know how to detect those leaks and how to take care of them? A little time and work will keep the heat indoors, and as a result, your health, your home and your wallet will benefit.

Generally, 40% of the heat loss is due to a poor insulation of the foundations, the lofts, and the attics of our homes. One can reduce heating bills by 30% with better insulation and proper sealing. A malfunction of three degrees of any thermostat can cause another 30% waste of energy. Remember that an electronic thermostat will subtract 10% of the cost.

How to detect leaks? Purchase incense sticks, light them and place them in front of the potential sources of leaks. Watch the smoke. Two things may happen:

1. The smoke will disappear and the sticks will shine.
2. The smoke will head towards the leak.

In the first instance, it confirms the presence of a major leak and in the second instance, a minor leak.

The most common leaks are found around windows, plug sockets and panelling. Here are simple and inexpensive solutions:

Windows: Between the frame and the window, apply some common mastic or mastic for glass to seal off any leak you may suspect.

Plugs: Cut off the current and install small foam cushions approved by the Occupational and Safety Health Association (OSHA) between the wall plate and the case.

Panelling (mouldings, plinths): A draft proof made of latex paste or transparent silicone will be of great help. One can also obtain coloured silicone or the type that can be painted.

Examine all other potential sources of leaks and seal them off now. Common mastic should be sufficient.

• Behind the baths
• Underneath the sinks
• The pipes and around the piping
• Fireplaces
• Chimneys
• Fans and evacuation vents
• Wall corners
• The basements, the attics, the lofts
• Common partitions
• Floor drains
• Cracks of the foundations

The house will feel more comfortable as soon as modifications are made. Involving the time is worth the effort. Stay warm.

Take the Next Step:

• For more related articles, please click here.
• Get to the store today and purchase a few incense sticks. Armed with your incense sticks, begin your search for costly leaks around your home.

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