Winter should be spent enjoying the comforts of your home without even worrying about the cold.
There are a few things that might be occurring in your home that could result in a furnace repair or a higher than normal energy bill, however.
Your windows are letting heat out. When the warm air meets the cold glass of your windows, it reduces some of the heat in the indoor air. To minimize this impact, close your drapes during the evening hours and ensure your windows receive light during the day before opening them. Insulation may be inadequate in older homes. As a result, you might be losing heat through your attic, making your heating system work harder than necessary, and eventually leading to furnace repairs. Your attic’s insulation should be even with or below the joists when you check it. You’ll probably need to add more insulation if it is. You may also be losing heat through gaps in your windows and doors. Gaps may sometimes be obvious and visible to the naked eye, or they may be large enough to feel drafts coming in, but sometimes they may not be. Take a closer look at all of your windows and doors to see if weather stripping is needed. Just like it is with attic insulation, window and door gaps can force your furnace to work harder, increasing the chance of furnace repair down the line.