How You Can Save Money With a Home Energy Audit
This fall, some North Carolina residents might be paying more for their energy usage. This is only if the Utilities Commission approves an 8.3% rate increase. This proposal was put forward by one of the regulated public utilities in the state.
That’s approximately a $9 increase on the average bill. But even this seemingly small amount can add up.
It’s something some residents are all too familiar with. Many saw their energy bills increase by as much as $120 in January this year compared to last December.
It’s expected that households will use more energy in winter. But there are ways you can reduce your monthly costs even during the colder months.
Simply conduct a home energy audit. Keep reading to find out what this entails and how it can help you save on energy bills.
What is a Home Energy Audit?
Home energy auditing became prevalent in the 1970s. The US and many other countries in the western world were feeling the effects of a major energy crisis. It was precipitated by a shortage in petroleum which led to higher prices.
Energy audits for homes at the time provided ways to reduce energy consumption. The exercise can do the same for you today.
An audit helps to determine if and where you’re wasting energy in your home. It measures how energy-efficient your home is.
It’s a detailed assessment of the energy features in your home as well as consumption habits. An auditor will look at your home’s exterior and examine various elements. These include your eaves, windows, walls, and doors.
They look for major issues, particularly leaks going out of or coming into your home. They will also take a look at your attic if you have one.
How to Save on Energy Bills
Many homeowners would love to lower the amount they spend on their energy bills. If you’re one of them, here’s how a home energy audit can help you do this.
Do An Assessment
The first step in knowing where you need to reduce is looking at how much energy you are currently using. An audit can help to determine this.
Once it’s completed, making minor changes can go a long way. This can include using LED bulbs or installing a programmable thermostat.
Don’t Forget Your HVAC System and Ducts
An energy audit will include an assessment of your HVAC system and ducts. This can include doing a duct pressure test to determine if there are any leaks within your system.
Leaks can make your system work harder than it should be. Finding and fixing leaks can also reduce the occurrence of mold.
Look for Drafts
A draft is one of the tell-tale signs that air is leaking into or out of your home. This can greatly affect your energy use making your systems work harder.
Leaks are usually prevalent around windows, doors, and even fireplaces. An audit will locate them. Once you know where they are, they can be properly sealed.
Don’t Just Inspect Around Your Windows
Finding leaks around your windows is important. But the type of windows you have can also affect the amount of energy you consume.
They can be a major source of heat loss. If an audit determines this, it’s worth the investment to change them.
Check Your Insulation
Proper insulation can make your home more energy-efficient. There may be a particular type of insulation you need to use. This would depend on the configuration of your home.
But an energy audit will specify what type of insulation is best. Once you know this, make sure it’s installed properly.
Conducting an Energy Audit on Your Home
Prices on various items have significantly increased since last year. Many households are trying to adjust to this new reality.
They are also trying to find ways to better manage their spending. It is therefore imperative to save wherever possible.
This article clearly outlines one area you can do this by reducing your energy consumption. After hearing about the savings you could enjoy, you may have one question. What company will do a home energy audit near me?
All About Energy Solutions can. We will conduct a 12-point home energy audit for you. Contact us to schedule one today to start saving money!
