Scheduling a home energy audit makes great sense. You'll get a detailed report from an expert showing you ways to save money and make your home more energy efficient. Many times you can get the audit for little or no cost - local utility companies sometimes offer free or low cost programs to customers (Connecticut CL&P customers can click on http://www.cl-p.com/home/saveenergy/rebates/homeenergysolutions.aspx). Energy-conservation contractors can provide free or low cost evaluations and also provide the needed services to upgrade the home (one example is http://www.drenergysaver.com). Some home inspectors offer energy audits, but normally for a higher fee and without some of the evaluations listed below. To be effective the audit has to be as comprehensive as possible and must be performed by a professional with the proper training.
Here are some items that need to be a part of any energy audit of your home:
•· Does my audit include a blower door test? Standard for one of the most important aspects of an energy audit, used to check air leakage throughout the home. A must-have for homeowners looking to lower energy bills. Don't skip this.
•· Infrared scanning? IR cameras are used to check temperature variations in the house. The gold standard for measuring how effectively your insulation is working.
•· Duct evaluation? A must if your home uses forced hot or cold air for heating and cooling. Sealing leaky ducts is an easy way to save money.
•· Heating and cooling systems evaluation? Older systems waste energy. Improperly installed systems waste energy and could be a safety hazard.
•· Smoke tools? Like the blower door test, also used to detect air leakage in the home.
When performed by trained energy conservation professionals the home energy audit offers ways to save money and make your home more comfortable.
