In today's world, prices seem to be skyrocketing in every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, this also applies to the fuel that keeps our homes warm and cozy. Whether you rely on oil, gas, or electric heating, brace yourself for the upcoming cold weather as heating your home is about to become even more costly than ever before. In an effort to save money, you may have thought about keeping your heat off for periods of time. Or, maybe you'll be away for the winter and you don't want to spend money on heat when no one is home. Either way, it's important to note that there can be many negative side effects to leaving your home without heat.
Being sealed up in an interior space won't fully protect you from the winter. Your home will shield you from the wind and precipitation, but no matter how well-insulated it is, it will eventually become as cold as outside. That's because the house transfers heat to the outdoors through conduction, convection, and radiation until it reaches equilibrium with the outside temperature.So while you may be okay with bundling up and sipping on hot drinks to keep the winter chill away, or going on vacation and forgetting about your home HVAC, there are other aspects to consider when it comes to leaving the heat off.
6 Consequences of Leaving Your Home's Heating Off
Leaving your home without heat for an extended period of time can lead to serious damage. Your home was not designed to endure prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, so it can experience significant harm. There are several potential consequences to consider, such as:
1. Burst pipes
If the interior of your home gets too cold, you run the risk of burst water pipes when the water inside them freezes and expands. You can turn off the water or leave taps running to try to prevent this, but that leaves you without running water as well as no heat.
2. Condensation
While you may typically associate cold weather with dryness, it's important to note that allowing the temperature to drop too low can actually result in condensation forming on the surfaces of your home. This will not only make everything feel damp, but it will also increase humidity levels and create an environment conducive to mold growth. The presence of mold can lead to serious health issues and make it nearly impossible to properly dry your clothes or bath towels. Additionally, constantly wearing damp clothing can have detrimental effects on your skin, potentially causing various skin conditions.
3. Damaged goods
Nearly every item in your home is intended to function and endure at temperatures similar to "room temperature," typically ranging from 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature drops below this range, certain materials can contract and become parched. Consequently, this can lead to extensive damage, affecting various elements within your home, including your flooring, walls, and appliances.
4. Illness
As mentioned previously, the growth of mold due to condensation can have detrimental effects on your health. Cold air can cause inflammation in the lungs, worsening pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, it can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including infections, heart disease, and even stroke.
5. Skin health
Living in constant cold can also dry out your skin and make it prone to cracking and sores, and living in damp clothes that never quite dry out can lead to rashes and other skin ailments.
6. Sleep
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall well-being, but extreme temperatures can make it difficult to drift off, no matter how many blankets you pile on. When the temperature drops too low, it can disrupt your body's natural sleep cycle and make it challenging to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Overall, potential damage to your home and negative effects on your health are not worth any financial benefits you may receive by leaving your heat off. If you're looking for helpful ways to save money on heating, check out our other blog posts or contact us below.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
