Cut your Energy Bills By Performing a DIY Energy Audit
Reduce Your Heating & Cooling Costs By 30%
So you know that saving energy will help reduce your monthly utility bills but your not sure what to do next. Many homeowners will start by making modest changes to their daily lives.They will replace their incandescent light bulbs, unplug their phone chargers and adjust the thermostat each time they leave the house. While these energy saving tricks are somewhat beneficial most homeowners overlook the main culprit of your homes energy loss which is air leakage.
Use Less Spend Less
Obviously when you use less energy you will spend less money on your monthly utility bills but detecting air leakage in your home on your own can be a very daunting task. The best route to take is to hire a professionally certified energy auditor that will detect air leaks with sophisticated tools like infrared cameras and blower door testing. If you can't afford a full blown energy audit or prefer to do the job yourself, here are some things you can do before contacting a BPI Certified Professional.
1. Check around windows and doors for air leaks
Close all of your windows and doors and then move a lit stick of incense around the perimeter of each door and window. Watch for air that interrupts or moves the rise of smoke. If you discover any problems apply caulk or weatherstripping to area.
2, Check your Chimney
20% of your air loss can be drawn up through your chimney flue, even if the dampener is closed. For a dampener to work it effectively it must create an airtight seal between the outside air and your living space. If you think your dampener is failing, check it with your incense stick and call a chimney sweeping service. They can lubricate and or repair the dampener which will help you make a better seal.
3. Check the insulation around your heater
Older heaters tend to be lined with fiberglass insulation. To solve the problem just ad a pre cut insulating blanket around your heater. Adding an insulated blanket to your heater can reduce your costs by as much at 10%.
4. Check leaky duct work
Leaky duct work can also be a large area of energy loss. Make sure you check your duct work carefully. Pay close attention to junctions where they connect with your registers. This is one of the main areas of air leakage in your home.
5. Check the openings on exterior walls
Holes for electric outlets, light switches, exhaust fans, cable and phone lines are typically not insulated. This allows the warm or cool air inside your house to escape. Filling these holes will help reduce your energy loss and your monthly utility bills. For outlets ans switches , you can purchase rubber gaskets at your local home improvement store to seal up these drafty areas.
6. Make sure your attic hatch is air tight
An unsealed attic hatch can suck your energy right out of your house.Your hatch must be insulated and air sealed for maximum efficiency. Grab your stick of incense and check around the hatch. If you see smoke movement it's time to insulate your hatch.