Heat lost through doors, windows

Font Size:

By Christina McNamara | Thursday, November 3, 2005 1:33 AM CST | () comments

News of heating oil and natural gas prices rising this winter brings about the need to figure out how to save energy, and in turn, save money.

Brian Girskis, president of Suburban Construction, Davenport, tells homeowners where to look for improvement.

“Forty to fifty percent of the heat is lost through windows and doors. Twenty percent is lots through the walls, and about 10 to 20 percent through the roof,” he said.

Girskis encourages homeowners to look for an energy-engineered product with an Energy Star rating. And, he says, installation is even more important.

If you can button up through the walls with windows it helps out a lot,” Girskis said.

Adding an insulated entry door storm door are other energy saving options, according to Girskis.

A lot of heat can be lost through the attic as well. Adding insulation may help you save on your heating bill.

“Typically, look for pretty close to a foot of insulation in the attic,” said Phil McCormick, owner of McCormick Insulation Co., Davenport.

However, if you have air leaking out of other places in your home, blowing insulation into your attic may not be very useful unless those areas are sealed up, McCormick says. Air sealing is done by applying plywood, sheet metal, or packed insulation in areas where conditioned air is lost.

The walls of you home are another place to consider when trying to make your home more efficient.

“When the weather is 20 degrees or colder, feel the exterior wall and then feel a partition wall. If there’s a major temperature difference, putting insulation in the side walls can make a big difference,” McCormick said.

Also, make sure your furnace gets a checkup.

Tom Gabrilson, president of Gabrilson Indoor Climate Solutions, Davenport, says it’s important for safety reasons and for efficiency to have your system checked yearly.

“Have your furnace cleaned on an annual basis. When the burners and blowers are clean, more air can move across the heat exchanger and fuel is burned more efficiently,” Gabrilson said.

Also, change the filter in your furnace regularly, and consider purchasing a programmable thermostat.

“Programmable thermostats can save 5-15 percent depending on how they’re used,” Gabrilson said.

Contact the Bettendorf News at

(563) 383-2396 or bettnews@qctimes.com.