Performing Your Own Home Energy Audit

There’s nothing worse than high utility bills.  It’s even more of a surprise to find how much energy you are wasting when you do a home energy audit. 

 

These simple steps can help you save hundreds each year:

 

1. Examine the Exterior of Your Home

·        Exterior Walls – Look for any cracks or holes that air may be escaping from.  Look very closely where siding or brick fits against another material such as concrete or wood.  To help identify a leak, hold a candle near the potential spot to reveal a draft.  Be sure to seal any leaks with weather stripping or caulk.

·        Doors and Windows – Check for cracks or holes around your exterior doors and windows.  Apply weather stripping or sealant where necessary.  During summer months, keep your blinds or curtains closed to prevent sunlight from warming your home.  During winter months, keep your blinds or curtains open to help warm your home.

·        Landscaping – Shrubs, vines and trees around your house can provide extra shade and help keep your home cooler and insulated during the winter.  Just make sure you keep a three foot clear space around your air unit.

 

1. Examine the Interior of Your Home

·        Heating and Cooling Unit – Make an appointment with your local utility company or a certified technician to come and inspect your home’s heating and air conditioning systems.  If the unit needs to be replaced, you should consider anything with an Energy Star label on it.  Energy Star is the most energy efficient brand on the market and will save you hundreds of dollars in utility bills.  In addition, you should look for a SEER, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, rating of 13 or higher for air conditioning units and an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of 90 or higher on your furnace.

·        Indoor Lighting – Replace all your light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs to save energy.  You can also look for areas in the home that allow natural lighting in.

·        Thermostats – Programmable thermostats are the most energy efficient way to go.  Replace old thermostats with the new programmable ones and save money and energy while the unit automatically controls the temperature for you.

·        Appliances – Keeping your appliances clean and free of dust makes a lot of difference in the way the appliance will run and the energy it will use.  In addition, make sure your freezer and refrigerator doors are sealed tight to prevent air leakage.

 

1. Top off by Going Up Top

·        Roofing Material – Winds, ice and snow can be very hard on your roof.  Check to make sure all shingles are intact and that flashings around chimney, antenna, vents and skylights are sealed.  If you need a new roof, consider roofing labeled with Energy Star.

·        Attic Insulation – Inadequate insulation in your attic can result in your home’s cooling and heating system having to work harder to get the indoor temperature to regulate.  If you’re unsure about the amount needed for your climate and home design, call a professional.  A good rule of thumb is if it’s less than five inches deep, you need more insulation.

 

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