(Side note: Apparently they now make a type of heat cable that turns on and off automatically. Again…this depends on a number of factors. Most heat cable doesn’t even last long to begin with the average life of heat cable seems to be around 3-5 years. This also wears out your heat cable much faster. They accidentally keep it powered on throughout the warmer months, wasting more energy and money. ![]() Some homeowners forget to turn off the heat cable. (If I’m going to incur the wrath of Al Gore, at least I’d want it to be because I’ve got the showiest Christmas lights in the neighborhood.) That’s no better on your wallet than it is on the environment. These areas that allow air-leaks into your attic are called “attic bypasses.” Your energy auditor may also tell you to double down on your insulation, or to improve your ventilation, or both Heat Cable Problem #2: It’s an energy-drainer.Įven very good heat cable may add about 20% to your energy bill – all depending on how often you power it on. You’ll probably be urged to seal up spaces where warm air is sneaking into your attic – like around light fixtures, outlets, etc. Heat cable doesn’t fix the root cause of the problem: too much snow on a roof that’s overheated because warm air is leaking into your attic.ĩ0% of the time that problem is fixable, and it all starts with a quality home energy audit from someone who understands insulation, ventilation, and ice dams. Heat cable has its place in the world (more on that in a minute), but I usually don’t recommend it to my customers, for a few reasons: Heat Cable Problem #1: It’s often a Band-Aid. They’re hot wires that run up and down your roof to melt snow and prevent ice buildup on your overhangs and in your valleys. ![]() Heat cable, heat tape, heat wire…they’re different names that mean the same thing.
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