Improving Whole-House Performance Requires Checking These 7 Home Systems

A home is a refuge from the trials of the external world and should be as pleasant and relaxing as possible, including its indoor climate. An energy-efficient house provides better climate control and comfort, so improving whole-house performance is necessary to increase energy efficiency.

Consider a house an energy system in which all parts are interdependent. When one part performs badly, it affects the entire system and puts it at risk. As an example, if the furnace works well, but air leaks under the external doors, then efficiency is compromised. By understanding that all components have an interacting effect upon each other and giving attention to those areas, whole-house performance can be improved.

There are numerous components to a whole-house system, so when improving whole-house performance, here are seven that require checking.

1. Air seal windows: Windows can leak and require caulking or weatherstripping to prevent outdoor air from entering and conditioned air from seeping out.
2. Seal and insulate your ductwork: Ducts can leak from tears, rips and dislocation. Examine the ducts that are visible and seal leaks with mastic or metal tape. Repair what you can and hire a professional to repair what you can’t.
3. Insulate the attic: An uninsulated attic can warm the roof in the winter. This causes ice and snow to melt and refreeze in the gutters, forming ice dams that can damage the roof, gutters and walls.
4. Replace inefficient windows: Replace old windows with double paned, low emittance windows that reduce radiative heat from entering the home. When improving whole-house performance, replace these windows before installing a new heating and cooling system, as HVAC load calculations are determined, in part, by window efficiency.
5. Service your HVAC unit: Keep your HVAC system running efficiently with regular professional maintenance.
6. Replace inefficient lights: Replace incandescent blubs with more efficient compact fluorescent and LED bulbs.
7. Install a ceiling fan: Install an Energy Star ceiling fan and set the blades to turn clockwise. This disperses hot air from the ceiling and reduces your heating system’s load.

For more information on improving whole-house performance, contact Blanton’s Heating & A/C, serving the Fayetteville area since 1951.