Home Energy Audit How-tos
Performing a home energy audit is as simple as taking a walk through your home. You’ll want to sit down first and make a list of potential problem areas and what to look for.
Plan to examine your home thoroughly with an objective and critical eye, keeping in mind the following four main issues:
- Air leaks
- Insulation problems
- Heating/cooling equipment condition
- Lighting
- Leaking, dripping plumbing
Air Leaks
Check these areas where warm air may leak out or cold air get into your home:
Around windows and doors,- Electrical outlets
- Switch plates
- Baseboards
- Weather stripping
- Fireplace dampers
- Attic hatches
- Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners
- All exterior corners of your home
- Junction points of exterior siding and chimneys
- Between the foundation and the bottom edge of exterior brick or other siding
Insulation
Examine the following:
- The level of your insulation in ceiling and walls
- Whether attic hatch is insulated, weather stripped, and closes completely
- For proper sealing of gaps around pipes, ductwork and chimneys
- That attic vents are not blocked by insulation
- To be sure the ceiling in an unheated basement if insulated
Heating/cooling equipment
Checklist:
- Check filters (replace as often as every month or two in high use times)
- Determine age and efficiency rating of your systems
- Discern whether your systems are in good repair
- Examine ductwork for dirty streaking near seams (air leaks)
- Check for insulation on ducts and pipes in unheated spaces
- Heating and cooling equipment inspection/cleaning at least annually
Lighting
What to consider:
- Am I using the lowest possible wattage light bulbs?
- Where could I install compact fluorescent lamps?
- Whether your utility company offers rebates/incentives for energy-efficient lamps
- What lights are staying on even when the area is not in use
Plumbing
What to check out:
- Whether you have any leaks in your home
- Check your water meter
- Don’t use any water for two hours.
- Check again.
- If you see a change, you have a leak somewhere
- Examine every faucet and under every sink for drips and leaks
- Inspect toilets for leaks and consistent problems
- Identify the age of your current hot water heater, whether it’s supplying your needs, and whether it is well insulated
Contact ARS/Rescue Rooter® to help you assess the efficiency of your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems with a no cost initial consultation. Our professional contractors will identify issues and perform necessary repairs, replacement and routine maintenance so that you can enjoy the benefits of an energy efficient and comfortable home.
Also contact ARS/Rescue Rooter® for more information about their Home Service Plans to make sure your systems are checked out each season, to enjoy the benefits of preventive maintenance, and to stay current on the latest in energy savings options.