If one room of your home never seems to hold heat, your home is probably losing warmth somewhere. The usual suspects: air leaks, thin insulation and ductwork that isn't doing its job. Find and fix the culprit.
WINTER PREP HEADQUARTERS
Face winter with confidence.
From tips to trouble-shooting, resources to assessments, learn what your home needs to stay warm, run efficiently and keep energy costs at bay all season.
Case of a cold room?
Investigate 3 top suspects.
Air leaks
Gaps around windows, doors and outlets let warm air escape and cold air sneak in. It’s often the #1 reason a room won't warm up.
Insulation gaps
Not all insulation is created equal. If your attic or walls are under-insulated, your heating system is working overtime for nothing.
Duct and airflow issues
Leaky, blocked, or poorly designed ductwork can leave some rooms starved for heat while others overheat.
What’s your home telling you?
Your home’s been dropping hints. Here’s how to translate what it’s saying and actually do something about it.
| Symptom | Possible cause | The fix |
|---|---|---|
Cold, drafty floors near exterior walls | Missing or worn-out insulation underneath | Add subfloor insulation and seal crawlspace vents |
One room is always colder than the rest | Air leaks around windows/doors or uneven ductwork | Air seal and weatherstrip, or schedule a duct inspection |
Icicles or ice dams forming on the roofline | Warm air escaping into an under-insulated attic | Boost attic insulation and check attic ventilation |
Heating bills creeping up with no clear reason | Your HVAC system working overtime to compensate | Schedule an HVAC tune-up or a Home Energy Evaluation |
THE WINTER CHECKLIST
12 tasks of winter prep.
Before the temperature drops, give your home a little TLC. This free, printable checklist walks you through the easy (and impactful) steps to lock in warmth, cut costs and stay cozy.
Pick your path.
Ready to really understand what’s happening under your roof? Get a true report card with a home energy evaluation. Choose the option that best fits your time and lifestyle.
Do it yourself.
Got 10 minutes? Our DIY Home Energy Assessment walks you through the most common winter energy drains, no tools or contractors required. Plus, you’ll get a FREE Home Energy Kit after completion.
Meet a pro.
Want the full picture? Schedule a Home Energy Evaluation. A TVA-certified energy expert comes in person and delivers a detailed report with recommendations tailored to your home.
Your winter toolkit.
You’ve spotted the signals, checked off your prep list, and scheduled your evaluation. Next steps? Upgrades, rebates and contractors for an energy A+.
Home energy upgrades
From smart thermostats to improved insulation, see what actually saves you money.
Rebates that pay
Take advantage of energy efficiency rebates from TVA EnergyRight® and your local power company.
Contractor confidence
Get access to hundreds of trustworthy, licensed and insured contractors trained to meet TVA’s quality guidelines.
Stay informed!
Sign up for program updates and new ways to save from TVA EnergyRight® and your local power company.
Questions? Give us a call!
We are here to help. Call (866) 233-0450 for immediate assistance from a member of our team.