Posted by mageadmin | Posted in Log Cabin Home Ideas | Posted on 12-02-2011
Tags: check for leaks, conserve energy, conserving energy, home energy audit, sealing attics
If you want to assess just how much energy your home consumes, your first step is to conduct your own home energy audit. With a simple walk through of your home, you may spot problems before they get out of hand. Below are a few simple steps to complete your own home energy audit. While auditing your home, make sure to keep a checklist of any problems you have found and what areas you have inspected.
1) Heating/Cooling Equipment
Inspect hvac equipment annually, or as suggested by the manufacturer. If you have a forced air furnace, check your filters and replace them as needed . Generally they should be changed about once every month, especially during periods of high use . Have a professional check and clean your equipment once a year. If the unit is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing it with one of the newer, energy-efficient units. This would go far to reduce your energy consumption. Its best to do your research and take a look at hvac reviews on equipment you are considering. Check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should to be sealed with a duct mastic.
2) Locate Air Leaks
First, make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts) . Check for indoor air leaks such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring , and at junctures of the walls and ceiling meet. Check to see if air flows through outlets, switch plates, window frames, baseboards, weather-stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches , or window-mounted air conditioners. Look for gaps around pipes, electrical outlets, and at foundation seals. Check to make sure the caulking and weatherstripping are applied properly and are in good condition.
Inspect windows and doors for air leaks, see if you can rattle them. Movement means a possibility of air leaks. If you can see daylight around door and window frames, then the door or window leaks . You can usually seal these leaks with caulking or weather stripping. Check your storm windows to see if they fit and have not been broken.
On the outside of your house, inspect all exterior corners where siding and chimneys meet. and areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet. You should caulk holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets, and wiring. Check for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation, and siding, and seal them properly .
3) Lighting
The energy consumed for lighting accounts for around 10% of your electric bill. Check the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100 watt bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. In addition, your electric utility may offer rebates for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.
4) Insulation
Loss of heat through the ceiling and walls could be very large if the insulation levels are less than recommended. You should check to make sure the level of attic and wall insulation of your home is at least at the minimum recommended amount.
In the attic, check to make sure openings for items such as pipes, ductwork, and chimneys are sealed. Any gaps should be sealed with an expanding foam caulk or other permanent sealant. If you have recessed light fixtures, determine if they are IC rated. Other types allow large amounts of heating dollars to escape into the attic. Be certain to allow a three-inch space around any recessed lights. This will prevent it from overheating.
Large amounts of moisture can reduce the effectiveness of insulation and promote structural damage. Make sure that attic vents are not blocked by insulation. You should also seal any electrical boxes with flexible caulk.
If your cellar is unheated, determine whether there is insulation under the flooring. In most areas of the country, R-25 is the recommended minimum level of insulation. Your water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts should all be insulated.
Completing this simply Home Energy Audit can save money and reduce your homes energy consumption
