How You Can Conduct Your Own Energy Audit

Are you ready to start saving money on residential energy costs? The first step is to perform a home energy audit. Every home can benefit from this process, even homes that are newly constructed and the energy savings can be considerable.

Locate and Seal Drafts, Gaps, Leaks, and Holes

Eliminating energy waste by sealing leaks translates into annual energy savings of up to 30 percent. Your home will also feel more comfortable. Indoor leaks are typically found on the edges of flooring, along baseboards, and at junctures where the walls and ceiling meet. A lighted incense stick can tip you off about leaks and drafts. If the smoke wavers near a gap, you have a leak. Plug leaks and drafts with caulk, weatherstripping or another sealant. Don’t forget to seal the holes next to faucets, pipes, wires, and outlets.

Check Your Insulation Level

You can lose a substantial amount of heated or cooled air through your walls and ceilings if your home has insufficient insulation. Adequate insulation keeps your home comfortable and energy-efficient, whereas insufficient insulation translates into high electric bills. If you need to add insulation, a product with a high R-Value will prevent energy waste most effectively. Examine pipes, windows, doors, crawl spaces, and your attic to ensure that all gaps and holes are sealed as needed. Make sure that attic doors and windows close properly and fit snugly into their frames.

Maintain Your Heating and Cooling Equipment

Heating and cooling systems are responsible for almost 40 percent of residential energy usage. Inefficient HVAC systems are notorious energy gobblers; they drive up utility bills and offer nothing much in return. Make sure that you are programming your thermostat correctly and be sure to schedule heating and cooling system maintenance every year.

Turn your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees. Look around your home for other ways you can save. Is anything blocking your thermostat? Are your appliances energy efficient? Are you unplugging devices when they are not in use? You are likely to find that there are many ways you can save on your energy bills and even improve AC efficiency.

Would you like to reduce residential energy waste even more? Contact Preferred Air Conditioning & Mechanical, LLC at (561) 202-1422 in Palm Beach for more energy-saving tips.

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