ENERGY AUDIT

It takes a lot of energy to heat, cool and operate a home. Most homebuyers won’t know how much it will cost them to operate their home once they move in.  A comprehensive audit of the home can identify both positive and negative components and systems. The Typical home wastes energy. We know that many homes built prior to the 2000 pre-date modern energy standards and are associated with higher  energy use and operating costs per square foot. A home energy inspector will complete an energy report to identify all the areas of concern for the homeowner. The report encourages homeowners to do the basics today. For example, they can replace inefficient light bulb’s with energy efficient bulb’s, install efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, add some weather-stripping around doors and windows, and wrap insulation around pipes. The report then highlights two or three additional measures that will yield the biggest return on investment-usually, some air sealing and climate appropriate insulation

The following two categories and specific upgrades are currently recommended by the report:

Type 1: Improvements and upgrades recommended now–these can help save energy right away:
add attic insulation
add basement/crawlspace wall insulation
add basement/crawlspace floor insulation
check air tightness around doors and windows
check exterior walls
seal ducts
insulate ducts

Type 2: Recommendations for when equipment needs to be replaced—these recommendations will help save energy when it’s time to replace or upgrade equipment or systems:
service or upgrade central air conditioner
service or upgrade boiler, furnace or heat pump
service or upgrade room air conditioner
evaluate the roof’s reflectance
evaluate/add insulated sheathing to roof
service or add skylights
add or upgrade insulated sheathing to siding
service or upgrade water heater
evaluate/upgrade windows