Take a look at our 2 part “D.I.Y. Home Energy Check” series! Part one is below and part two will be posted next week. Stay tuned!
D.I.Y. Home Energy Check
While a professional home energy check is the best way to determine where your home is losing energy and where you can save, you can conduct your own simple but diligent walk-through and spot many problems in any type of house. This “do-it-yourself” home energy check will not be as thorough as a professional home energy assessment, but it can help you pinpoint some of the easier areas to address. When walking through your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. Do not assume that just because your home is recently constructed–or even new–that there are no opportunities to save energy. Energy-saving technology has evolved rapidly over the past few years, outpacing training commonly available to many builders, including some of the most reputable.
1. Locate Air Leaks-Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Also check for leaks on the outside of your home, especially in areas where two different building materials meet. The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward.
2. Check Insulation– Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home could be very large if the insulation levels are less than the recommended minimum. When your house was built, the builder likely installed the amount of insulation recommended at that time. Given today’s energy prices (and future prices that will probably be higher), the level of insulation might be inadequate, especially if you have an older home.
Don’t forget to check back next week for Conduct A D.I.Y. Home Energy Check: Part Two! In the meantime, sign up to receive our monthly newsletter! This will enter you for a chance to win a membership to our Premier Service Club. Receive priority customer service, annual performance inspections, discounted repairs and much more!