Regardless of the type of heating system you use, the first winter bill often comes as a surprise. If you’re seeking advice to save energy and reduce heating costs during the winter, consider turning to one of HGTV’s most reputable experts — Mike Holmes. With over 35 years of experience as a professional contractor, Holmes offers valuable insights on various home-related topics, including effective strategies to prevent heat loss in winter.
According to Holmes, one of the most beneficial steps you can take is to have a home inspection. While most people associate home inspections with buying or selling a house, you can hire an inspector at any time. By requesting an inspection focused on energy efficiency, the professional can assess your furnace, air conditioner, and other factors impacting energy usage. Holmes also advises inspectors to use thermal cameras to identify hot and cold spots behind walls, floors, and ceilings, which may indicate areas of heat loss. Additional tips from Holmes to prevent energy waste include enhancing insulation and sealing air gaps in your home.
Adding insulation makes a big difference in lowering your heating bills
If your heating bills are excessively high, having a home inspector or a heating-and-cooling technician evaluate your home’s insulation levels can be advantageous, according to Mike Holmes. The expert will identify any gaps that require additional insulation. Adding insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. Older homes, in particular, may need an insulation upgrade, as they often lack sufficient insulation or have deteriorated materials. Modern insulative materials slow heat transfer, reducing the workload on your furnace to replace heated air lost to the outside.
Holmes emphasizes focusing on the attic when adding insulation. He explains on his blog, “More heat escapes through your attic than anywhere else in your house. Adding insulation to your attic can save you a significant amount of money in energy costs.” Holmes suggests using 10 to 13 inches of insulation thickness in the attic.
Additionally, he recommends insulating your crawlspace if applicable. Spray foam is an ideal choice for crawlspaces as it also serves as a vapor barrier. Other areas where you can add insulation for benefits include the basement and exterior walls, according to Holmes. He advises hiring a professional for installing any type of insulation, especially spray foam.
Finding and eliminating air gaps will save money on heating bills
When engaging a home inspector to assess your home’s energy efficiency, they can check window and door seals for potential air leaks. Holmes states on Facebook, “Reducing the amount of air leaking in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment.” He suggests homeowners conduct a quick DIY inspection before winter. Look for issues like broken glass, missing caulk, or loose siding. If you detect drafts inside, it’s a key indication of potential heat loss around windows and doors. You may need new weatherstripping and caulk to minimize energy waste.
Holmes also points out that older windows might cause air leakage problems. To address this, consider purchasing new windows for better energy efficiency or explore temporary insulation options for winter. Replacing old windows can lead to energy cost savings of up to 13%.
Other potential sources of air leaks include skylights, according to Holmes. If a skylight leaks water or shows condensation, it likely leaks air or has damaged flashing. Recessed lights with attic wiring can also lead to air leakage and heat loss. Proper installation by a professional can prevent this issue.
