Preparing for Winter: Attic Rain and 4 Other Factors to Consider in Home Efficiency

Homes are susceptible to countless inefficiencies during the colder seasons. These influences range in the damage and inconvenience they cause, from structural to emotional. Prepare for the freeze and learn how to reduce electricity bills in the winter simultaneously with these action steps before temperatures change.

1. Freezing Pipes

Pipes carry cold water and accumulate condensation on the outside during the winter. When that water freezes, it puts pressure on and inside pipes, leading to cracks or bursts. Older infrastructure is particularly prone to freezing, as innovations have replaced old materials with more climate-resilient alternatives. Pipes start to have major problems around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, though this may differ from region to region.

Negative Impacts

Many households need water access due to burst and frozen pipes. In the worst-case scenario, major structural renovations will be needed to dig up and replace broken infrastructure. Depending on the weather, this could take time if the area is inaccessible.

Solution

Pipe insulation is the best defense against unexpected freezes. It reinforces its stability, discouraging damage that would lead to a burst. You can also keep temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit because the consistent heat availability will prevent pipes from freezing. For a short-term solution, open cabinet doors in your kitchen or bathroom to let warm air flow around pipes.

2. Ice Dams

Snow piling up on the roof is a problem in and of itself. However, the snow eventually melts and could potentially refreeze your home’s eaves, especially if your gutters are clogged. This issue is called an ice dam, and it causes drainage problems on the gutters outside of the home and leaks in the interior if the water sneaks under roof materials.

Negative Impacts

Ice dams cause water damage, a common issue that roughly 14,000 homeowners experience daily. Ice buildup can weigh down gutters, leading to sagging and breakage. Water can then stain shingles or damage them and your roof’s structure, impacting security and your home’s heating efficiency.

Solution

Winterizing gutters or installing guards is one of the most effective solutions for ice dams. Gutter guards prevent buildup and make it easier for leaves and other debris to wash away, minimizing the amount of debris you need to clean out of your gutters. Insulation is also essential since it helps keep your attic warm and prevents ice from building up on your roof.

3. Heat Loss and Cold Drafts

Every potential door to the outside winter world is a chance for expensive heat to escape. This ranges from single-paned windows to cracks in the foundation. The front door may be an unexpected offender if there is too much clearance underneath or on the sides. 

Negative Impacts

Any opening to the outside forces homeowners to overextend their heating equipment. To compensate for cold air entering the house, the equipment uses extra resources and undergoes more wear and tear than it should.

Solution

If you want to preserve heat and save on energy bills in the winter, incorporate as many insulating strategies as possible. These measures include insulation in the building envelope, but can also involve installing triple-pane windows and replacing weatherstripping or caulking edges around entryways.

4. Attic Rain

Many homeowners know warm air rises, which is helpful when managing temperatures in the winter. However, this tendency encourages condensation in the upper levels of the house, particularly in attics. When the warmth meets the cooler ceiling, attic rain occurs. 

Negative Impacts

Depending on what the roof is made of and what the attic’s materials are, various problems can arise. The moisture could grow mold on most surfaces, causing indoor air quality concerns. If wood is the primary material, attic rain may cause rotting and structural integrity issues. Depending on whether an attic is finished or the building envelope has openings, water could fall into the insulation, leading to more damage.

Solution

Reinforce attics and surrounding walls with quality insulation. Once this is complete, any gaps and leaks should receive repairs. Fill these in to close off as many entry points as possible, stopping moisture accumulation.

5. High Energy Consumption

You know utility bills skyrocket during winter. The price outlook from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates a 10.5% average increase in home heating costs. It is a mixture of structural oversights and cold weather’s side effects. These combined make internal comfort more expensive than at any other point in the year.

Negative Impacts

While blasting the heater feels good, putting extensive pressure on electrical equipment against cold temperatures may cause failures. 

Solution

Preventing concerns like ice dams and attic rain is the best way to keep energy bills low. If you can’t find your home’s primary source of heat loss, consider an energy audit to see if renovations, HVAC upgrades, or other installations like gutter guards and new insulation can help.

Home Efficiency and Winter Energy Saving Tips

Heavy snow and shorter days do an excellent job of hiding sneaky issues with a home. Heat always seems to find its way out, and water seeps in with minimal resistance. However, there are ways to prepare against these inefficiencies before the first frost.

It requires time, resources, and attention to all aspects of the home, not just what is immediately visible. You’ll notice your effort pay off in your household budget and internal temperatures when the season feels much cozier than last year.