We live in the North Carolina Sandhills where winters are generally mild. However, sometimes our area gets hit with an unexpected arctic cold.
When a blast of cold weather impacts our area, you may find your home’s temperature to be less than adequate. Your heating system tries to reach your set thermostat but underperforms. Now you and your family are cold and bundled up to keep warm!
There are a few areas in your home to blame for a chilly home. Your electric heat pump could need maintenance. Your home’s insulation may need upgrading. Or you could be losing heat due to cracks in your ductwork, doors, and windows.
Here are some areas you can investigate to be prepared for unexpected frigid temperatures.
Maintain Your Electric Heat Pump
Be sure to maintain your electric heat pump. This will ensure that all properties of your unit are functioning properly. Electric heat pump maintenance is easy to forget. However, maintaining your heat pump can make a huge difference in keeping your home warm and help avoid unnecessary expenses later.
Common areas to inspect are the air filter, refrigerant, and auxiliary heat strips. The heat pump’s air filter may be clogged, the refrigerant may be low or leaking, or auxiliary heat strips may be failing.
Upgrade Your Home Insulation
Upgrade your home’s insulation and ensure that it is adequate. Many older homes were not insulated to the standards we have today, which is another reason to consider whether an insulation upgrade may be beneficial.
Check Your Registers & Ductwork
Check to see if your registers have been accidentally closed or covered. Check that your ductwork is sealed and not leaking heated air.
Seal Your Windows, Doors & Outlets
Seal windows and doors, etc. You can inquire at your local hardware store for various products that are available from foam stripping to plastic seals and more. Check for gaps in caulking around window and door frames. Add insulating pads under outlet covers.
Consider a Back-Up System
Install a backup heating system for enduring cold spells to maximize your comfort level. Sometimes these are called hybrid or dual-fuel systems. You may find this a good option depending on your home’s age, total square feet, and draftiness.
Financial Assistance to Keep You Warm
Make sure to check with your accountant; you may be able to take advantage of state subsidies, generous tax incentives, or rebates for installing a new heat pump, insulation, or other weather-sealing items. Click this link for information on programs offered in North Carolina: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/nc
Conclusion
Remember that heat pumps blow cooler air than a furnace. So a drafty house will not benefit you during lower temperatures. As a result, your house may incur a loss of heat faster than your unit can pump out heat to reach your thermostat setting. Taking the time to address the points above will provide you with peace of mind later when winter storms and cold weather hit your area.
John Norlin and the All Points Home Inspection team can help make sure your home and appliances are in tip-top shape. Check out all our Primary Home Inspection Areas to learn more.
Sources
https://www.consumerreports.org/heat-pumps/can-heat-pumps-actually-work-in-cold-climates-a4929629430/ https://terrysacandheating.com/7-reasons-why-your-hvac-is-not-blowing-warm-air-and-what-to-do-next/
