Have you noticed that your energy bills have been getting higher than usual? It may be time for an audit.
The cost to heat and cool homes has risen by more than 50% in the past two decades, according to government statistics. It’s no surprise that more people want to know the ins and outs of their home’s energy efficiency – so they can get a better idea of how they might save more money on their utility bills.
A home energy audit is one of the simplest ways to start making your home more energy efficient – but it can also be one of the most confusing processes for homeowners. The good news is that there are some fairly simple steps involved in conducting an energy audit in your own home, and with careful consideration these steps can help you see that it’s not as hard as you might have thought.
Steps for Conducting a Home Energy Audit
The first step is to figure out what type of energy audit you need. If you have a home that is new, then the audit will be a complete home energy audit. If your home has been occupied for more than a year, then it will be an in-depth energy audit.
The next step is to find the right auditor for your needs. Some auditors specialize in certain aspects of the inspection such as air sealing, insulation, or duct work. You should find someone who specializes in what you need so that they can provide you with accurate information and best practices for your home’s needs.
A home energy audit is a more efficient way of choosing to have the following changes made to your home:
- Replacing old windows with more energy-efficient ones.
- Installing a programmable thermostat for temperature and humidity control
- Cleaning or replacing your furnace filter
- Addressing drafts that may be leaking cold air around doorways, windows, or cracks in the foundation
Tools And Equipment Needed For The Energy Audit Process
It’s a good idea to know what tools and equipment are needed for the energy audit process so that you can get prepared.
There are many types of equipment that could be used in an energy audit. The most common type of equipment is a thermography camera. This device measures thermal images, which are depicted on videos and can be analyzed for heat loss, temperature checking, and energy efficiency. Thermal imaging can show how well the insulation is working in specific areas of the building.
There are also other types of equipment that may be used including a laser thermometer, infrared camera and stethoscope-based acoustic emissions detector. These instruments show different things on video like electrical wiring or structural integrity. It is also important to have a moisture meter as it will tell if there is any moisture.
What are the Possible Findings of the Audit and What Should You Do Next?
There are three main findings of a home energy audit – house is leaking excess heat, house needs insulation, and the house has air leaks.
If your house is leaking excess heat, you may want to invest in a good quality insulation for the attic. This will make sure that your heating bills will come down and you will get better energy efficiency.
If the audit finds that there are air leaks in your home, then you need to plug these leaks with some weather strips or caulking. This will solve this problem and make sure that only clean air to enter through these openings.
Conclusion
Most people spend a lot of money on heating bills without knowing how to save money on heating costs.
The best way to save money on heating bills is to make sure that you are using the right type of heating system for your home.
For example, if you live in a region with very cold winters, then it’s best for you to invest in a carbon monoxide heater or gas furnace.
If you live in a region with milder winters, then it’s best for you to invest in an electric heater that can be turned on and off depending on the temperature outside.
