Because heating and cooling bills are some of the most expensive bills that homeowners have, it’s no surprise that you may be looking to optimize the performance of your HVAC system. While suggestions like upgrading your equipment may be great for reducing your energy bills, not everyone has the budget for that. Fortunately, all you need is a little weatherstripping to enhance HVAC system performance.
Understanding Air Leakage
Over time, air leaks can develop on your exterior walls due to the expansion and contraction of the building materials used to construct your home and natural shifting in the ground. For example, if you run your hand around your window frame and feel a noticeable difference in temperature in any spot, you have an air leak.
In summer, leaks let heat slip indoors, and in winter, they allow precious warmth to vanish outside. This causes your HVAC system to run longer than normal to help accommodate the change in temperature caused by the air leaks. The more air leaks you have in your home, the more often your HVAC system will run to counteract their effect on your indoor temperature.
How Does Weatherstripping Help?
Weatherstripping is a foam, felt, or rubberized material that gets applied to gaps where air is leaking. By applying this material, you’re essentially filling the open space where the outside air can penetrate your home. Think of weatherstripping as similar to insulation.
It acts as a protective barrier between the temperature inside your home and the outdoors. This is because it seals off those openings, so outdoor air stays out and conditioned indoor air stays in.
Boosts HVAC Efficiency
When your HVAC system no longer needs to combat the influence of outside air from air leaks, it can operate more efficiently. There’s no need for your unit to run longer. When your HVAC system runs less often, you can enjoy more energy savings on your utility bills throughout the year.
Extends System Lifespan
Another big benefit of using weatherstripping is that it can extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. Homes with many air leaks cause your system to overwork, which can take a real toll on its internal components and shorten their lifespan. When your system only runs when it absolutely needs to, it can enjoy a much longer lifespan, so you can get more for your investment.
Boosts Indoor Comfort
One benefit of weatherstripping air leaks in your home is that it can boost your indoor comfort. In winter, that tiny gap by a window or door can let in a chilling breeze right where you sit. If your couch or bed happens to be near a leaky window frame, it can easily make you uncomfortable. Weatherstripping helps maintain a better indoor temperature so that you can be more comfortable in your home throughout the seasons.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Another huge benefit of using weatherstripping is that it can help regulate your indoor air quality. Air leaks, especially during the summer months, can allow airborne toxins like pollen to seep into your home. With a high concentration of allergens, you’ll experience more frequent allergy flareups. Weatherstripping prevents the constant flow of allergens into your home, giving your HVAC time to actively filter your air to enhance its overall quality level.
Where to Add Weatherstripping
If you want to enjoy better HVAC performance, lower utility bills, a longer system lifespan, enhanced comfort, and better indoor air quality, then weatherstripping is a clear need for your home. Proper placement is the key to drastically reducing any air leaks in your home.
These leaks will be on your exterior walls where there’s direct access to the outdoors. Leaks are most common around door frames, window frames, light switches, electrical outlets, garage doorways, and attic accesses. There are various sizes and materials you can use for your weatherstripping application. The goal is to fill any open voids while minimizing any regular contact that would otherwise cause it to tear off.
Expert HVAC Maintenance Service
If you need help preventing drafts, you can consult with an HVAC professional. During your consultation, the technician will examine your home for drafty areas and help you seal them. Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning offers expert HVAC maintenance service for the Glenwood, IA area. We can also help with all your heating and cooling installation, repair, and replacement needs. Just phone our office today to book your next service consultation with one of our helpful technicians.
