No matter the season, a leaky home costs money. So, how do you know where to start? A home energy checkup can help you identify areas that may need attention or upgrades, so you can save energy, make your home more comfortable, and reduce your energy bill by up to 30%! Below are some common recommendations from www.energy.gov:
Air Leaks
First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 10% to 20% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward.
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. Other places to check for leaks include windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets. Seal them with the appropriate material i.e. caulk and/or weather stripping.
Insulation
Heat loss through the ceiling and walls in your home can be extensive 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 potential rising future costs), the level of insulation might be inadequate, especially if you have an older home.
Make sure that the attic vents are not blocked by insulation. You also should seal any electrical boxes in the ceiling with flexible caulk (from the living room side or attic side) and cover the entire attic floor with at least the current recommended amount of insulation.
Heating and Cooling Equipment
Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer. If you have a forced-air furnace, check your filters and replace them as needed. Generally, you should change them about once every month or two, especially during periods of high usage. Have a professional check and clean your equipment once a year.
If the unit is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with a newer, energy-efficient unit. A new unit would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition.
Lighting
Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the light bulbs in your house and consider replacing inefficient bulbs with a more efficient choice, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When shopping for bulbs, consider the brightness of the bulbs you want and look for lumens and the Lighting Facts label.
Appliances and Electronics
The appliances and electronics you choose and how you use them affect your energy use and costs. Examine the appliances and electronics in your home and estimate their energy use. Consider strategies for reducing the energy use of your appliances and electronics, such as:
- Unplugging an item when it is not in use
- Changing the settings or using the item less often
- Purchasing a new, more efficient product
After identifying where your home is losing energy, answer these questions to help build a plan:
- How much money do you spend on energy?
- Where are your greatest energy losses?
- Should I move forward with a full energy assessment (EnergizeDelaware.com/Performance)?
- How long do you plan to own your current home?
- Can you do the job yourself or do you need a contractor?
- What is your budget?
- How much time do you have for maintenance and repairs?
