Common house problems in Winter

By Brian Paterson, Vice President of New Buffalo Impact

Common home problems during the winter can not only make you uncomfortable, but cost you a lot of money in higher utility bills as well.

Drafty, uncomfortable rooms, ice dams and icicles hanging from the gutters, a damp basement, moisture on the windows, mold, and cold floors are common home problems during the winter months. Knowing what causes these issues is the first step to finding a solution.

Addressing common winter time home problems can make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. Knowing what causes these issues and doing something about it can also help a homeowner save money on utility bills and protect the environment as well.

Here are several common problems homeowners face at this time of year.

Mold or mildew often comes from water leaks or high humidity. That can lead to wood rot, other structural problems and heath issues as well. High humidity can sometimes be linked to poorly installed air conditioning. In other cases, humidity can be a result of a damp basement caused by moisture migrating in through the foundation.

Insufficient insulation or air filtration issues can cause floors to feel cold.

Cold, drafty feeling rooms is normally the result of cold air coming into, or going out, of the house. A common cause can be of air leakage and poor air sealing.

Heavy condensation, frost or water accumulating on windows or window sills can be a sign of inefficient windows, or high moisture levels inside the home.

Hot or cold spots, or rooms, within a home can be the result of inadequate insulation; air leakage and poor air sealing; poor heating or cooling systems; ventilation or air leak issues; or poor duct installation, sealing or performance.

Icicles hanging off the gutters of your home can be a sign of improper insulation. Warm air inside the home flows upward into the attic where it warms the underside of the roof. That, in turn causes the ice and snow to melt and then re-freeze as it runs off the roof.

Finding a Building Performance Institute (BPI) and ENERGY STAR accredited home improvement company is the next step to ridding a home of these problems.