Professional energy efficiency audits can help a homeowner in a number of ways. It can help determine where you are losing energy and where you can save it. However, you can conduct your own simple energy efficiency audit as well but it won't be as thorough as a professional audit. A regular check can however, help ensure that everything is in order. If you're doing an energy efficiency audit, here are some things to keep in mind:
Locate Air Leaks
You can save between five and thirty percent of energy by identifying and correcting air leaks. Leaks can be indoors, such as at the edge of the flooring or outdoors. Fixing air leaks makes the home comfortable as well.
Monitor Insulation
Insulation levels should be as required; otherwise it could lead to larger heat loss through the ceilings and walls. If your home is old, the insulation level may not be up to the standard, and considering today's energy prices, an inspection should be made.
Check Lighting
Efficient lighting can help reduce the energy bill considerably as it accounts for 10 percent of it. Inefficient bulbs should be replaced with LEDs, CFLs or energy saving incandescent which are more efficient. There are also incentives and rebates offered in the electric utility for purchasing energy efficient lamps.
Heating and Cooling
Your heating and cooling equipment should be checked annually or as recommended. Filters should be replaced once a month or as needed and you should make sure that there are no air leaks. If your heating and cooling unit is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. Newer systems are more energy efficient and can help reduce consumption considerably.
For a professional energy efficiency audit that helps determine how you can save more energy and reduce your bills, call today.