Prevent Heat Loss This Valentine’s Day
With the cold winter months ongoing, it’s time to start emphasizing ways to ensure a home remains cozy and energy efficient. A romantic night in is one of the best ways to spend quality time with loved ones for special occasions, and, let's face it, a cold, drafty house does not set the mood! Don't stress, though. There are easy and economical solutions that optimize heating in a home so homeowners can focus on creating an evening of romance rather than worry about shivering from head to toe! Let’s look at simple tips to improve heat efficiency in the home.
Drafts Raise Utility Bills
A broken heater is not always to blame for heat loss. Older houses, in particular, are susceptible to chilly drafts. When a home’s foundation and construction are not air-tight, this can cause the heater to work extra hard due to warm air escaping. To save on energy bills and keep the home warm, locating cracks and crevices where cold drafts come in can be extremely helpful during the winter.
Air typically escapes below windows and doors. This is especially true if windows are single-paned. Weatherstripping is one way to eliminate hot air leakage. Weatherstripping involves taping the cracks below doors and windows to insulate indoor spaces effectively. This material can be made from vinyl, copper, or self-stick fabric.
What Are Energy Star Certified Windows?
Installing Energy Star-certified windows is another way to insulate the home and prevent heat loss. Although certain brands may describe their products as energy efficient, Energy Star-certified windows are recognizable by their sticker. The windows are certified and known for their ability to save money on energy bills and retain indoor heat.
On average, homeowners can save 12% on their monthly energy bills by switching to Energy Star-certified windows, doors, and skylights. In the summertime, Energy Star windows can also block heat from the sun, allowing indoor temperatures to stay cooler. Energy Star windows look the same as other brands and can be installed in almost any window. This is also true for skylights.
Professional Heating Maintenance
A reliable heating contractor is necessary for routine heating maintenance, installation, and repair services on the unit. Having a qualified technician service the heater each year is one of the best ways to ensure that it runs efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns, extend the unit’s lifespan, and can even help homeowners save money on energy bills.
A qualified technician can detect potential problems with a heater before they become serious, ensuring homeowners get the most out of their investment. Heat loss can occur in leaking air ducts, which can be caught during a maintenance check. In addition to servicing the heater, a technician can also provide guidance on the best way to use and maintain it, as well as advice on how to improve its efficiency and avoid potential problems like heat loss in the future.
About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned local business serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They offer fast response, the best brands, and full-service solutions to plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and remodeling issues. Call them today for heating and furnace maintenance in Lansing, MI.
)
)
)
With the Inflation Reduction Act, 
Homeowners can enjoy tremendous savings by taking advantage of the tax credits and rebates offered by the IRA, Lennox, DTE, BWL, and Consumers Energy - but that’s not the only way they can save. Since qualifying systems are required to be highly energy efficient, homeowners will also see their energy bills go down with the new system.)
)
)
Candles are the original holiday decor. They add elegance to indoor holiday decor without adding a cent to utility bills and can be purchased almost anywhere. Homeowners can decorate their homes with Christmas-themed candles or plain white candles for a classic look. There are so many options to choose from with different styles and scents. )
)
)
One of the most costly results of DIY HVAC repairs is the homeowner’s warranty being voided, as many warranties require professional 
Hiring a professional HVAC technician for service can save a homeowner time and energy. This is because the technician will have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and repair the problem correctly and quickly. Homeowners who attempt to fix their HVAC system themselves often find it more complicated and time-consuming than they thought. By contrast, a professional HVAC technician knows how to identify and fix problems quickly. Specialists work promptly to repair heaters, heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners.)
)
)
Backflow negates the entire plumbing system and is hazardous for humans. Several diseases can infect the body due to contamination in the drinking water. Since the color of the water may or may not still be clear, it’s not always easy to judge whether the water is safe to drink.
Backflow is dangerous for the whole community when the public water supply is connected to a home water system. A cross connection in the pipes allows backflow to contaminate drinking fountains, lakes, and public schools.)
)
)
