How's your home doing, energy-wise? If you're like most Americans, you probably don't know how efficient it is at using energy. A professional energy audit could probably enlighten you, but maybe that's an expense you're not quite ready to tackle. Until that day comes, you might perform some energy tests of your own and see what you can find out.
Air Leaks
Air leaks are one of the easiest energy wasters to locate, and correcting them can help you save 10-20 percent on your utility bill each year.Locate air leaks by waving a lit incense stick near obvious places for leaking air, such as around door and window frames, the edge of the floor, along baseboard gaps and where the walls and ceiling meet. Also check around plumbing and light fixtures, switch plates and electrical outlets. Places where two different types of building materials meet on the outside of your home are also likely places for air leaks.When you locate air leaks, repair them with caulk and insulation. Put door sweeps under doors and foam gaskets under the plastic covers of switch plates.
Insulation
Most homes, whether old or new, are insulation deficient and need a boost. Cover the attic floor with enough insulation to reach over the rafters. Make sure the attic door is insulated and weather stripped. Insulate ductwork in unconditioned spaces.You can blow in wall insulation this way: locate studs with a stud finder, cut out 2-inch holes in the drywall (saving the sections), then aim the applicator hose in the holes and blow in the insulation. You will have to reinsert the drywall hole sections and patch and paint.
Check Your Equipment
Check the efficiency of your HVAC system. If it's an older model, it could be time for replacement. Choose a more efficient Energy Star model.
Change to Efficient Lighting
Switch to efficient incandescent, fluorescent or light-emitting diode bulbs to save on electricity.Want to learn more about do-it-yourself energy tests? Contact Air Assurance. We provide safe, effective and efficient service and installations in Broken Arrow.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy tests and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”