If your electric bills are higher than you’d like, a home energy audit is a great idea. Through a home energy audit, you can discover inefficiencies in your home’s energy use and take steps to resolve them. Let’s dive deeper into how a home energy audit works and what you can do to perform one yourself.
What is a Home Energy Audit?
Also known as a home energy assessment, a home energy audit can reveal the way your house uses and loses energy. This information will inform you of which home repairs and upgrades to make and can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. In addition to saving money on energy costs, a home energy audit may improve your home’s comfort level and support the environment.
Ways to Perform a Home Energy Audit
While you can hire a professional to assess your home’s energy usage, you may also DIY it. If you do decide to conduct your own audit, follow these tips.
Find and Eliminate Air Leaks
Air leaks or drafts mean that outdoor air is entering your home and the heated or cooled air from its inside is leaking out. When this happens, your HVAC system is working harder than it needs to, increasing your energy bills and causing uncomfortable temperatures in your home.
To check for air leaks, visually inspect the interior and exterior of your home. If you find any gaps or holes, caulk or seal them right away.
Inspect Insulation
The older your home is, the more likely it has inadequate insulation. To check your insulation, go up to your attic. If you can see the joists, you need more insulation. Consider putting it around the attic door or hatch to keep the warm in your home. Consult a professional to find out the best insulation strategy for your home.
Switch Your Light Bulbs
Even though lighting only accounts for a small percentage of your energy bill, energy-efficient light bulbs can help you save money on energy over time. Therefore, change your light bulbs to LEDs, energy-saving incandescents, or compact fluorescents. It’s also a good idea to invest in dimmer switches and timers to help you and your family control light usage.
Be Mindful of Your Devices and Appliances
There’s a good chance you have devices and appliances that are increasing your energy bill. Make sure to unplug them if they’re not in use. Also, look at the default settings and figure out which ones you can change to use less energy. If any of your appliances seem to be contributing to energy losses, consider replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives.
Change Your Air Filters Without the Hassle
We are pleased to offer quality air filters that can capture pollutants and particles, pushing clean, fresh air back into your living space. For the filters to be most effective, however, you must change them every few months.
With FilterTime’s air filter subscription service, you can keep the air in your home in optimal shape, year-round. Once you subscribe, the right air filters will get shipped to your doorstep automatically so you’ll know exactly when to change them. Since there are no shipping charges, contracts, or hidden fees, you have nothing to lose. Get started today!
Written by: Anna Baluch
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