How To Do A DIY Energy Audit For Your Home And Decide Where To Do Improvements

Saving energy is something that can be done with many home improvement projects, which can anything from the simplest DIY project to complicated energy systems that are professionally installed. Before you get started with a list of energy improvements you want to do for your home. This is done by doing an energy audit, which can be done by a professional service or you may choose to do it yourself. The steps to doing an energy audit for your home are as follows:

Step 1: Find Leaks, Where Energy Is Going Out The Door

Do you notice cool drafts in certain areas of your home? This is usually do to air leaks, which can come from something as simple as damaged insulation or a hole in a wall for a vent pipe. Finding these leaks is one of the first things you will want to do during your DIY energy audit. The problems causing your air leaks can often easily be fixed, which can translate into a simple and affordable energy improvement for your home.

Step 2: Inspect And Service Your Heating And Cooling Systems

Inspecting your HVAC system or other heating and cooling systems is something that needs to be done regularly to avoid repairs and ensure your home is comfortable. Problems with your HVAC can also cause you to loose energy, such as ducts with damaged insulation or dirty units. Inspect your HVAC system and have it serviced while you are doing an energy audit of your home. Sometimes, simple repairs to duct insulation can help you save energy.

Step 3: Check The R-Value Of Insulation, As Well As Other Building Materials

Insulation is what provides a thermal barrier for your home. You should have insulation on any part of the structure that is exposed to outside air, such as exterior walls, the attic or a crawl space. In addition to the insulation, also check the types of building materials that were used in building your home, which have an R-value as well. If you are planning improvements, you may want to consider updating for materials with more insulating value.

Step 4: Inspect Lighting And Electrical Systems For Modern Energy Efficient Technology

The electrical systems in your home are also important, which you will want to check lighting, as well as appliances. Check the lights to make sure that they are all modern CFL or LED lights. It is also a good idea to inspect the electrical appliances for the dates they were made and their energy ratings. You may want to start improvements by replacing the oldest appliances with modern high efficiency systems.

Following these basic steps can help you with the choosing the best energy efficiency improvements to invest in for your home. If you are ready to reduce the energy consumption of your home, contact a clean energy service to start with these improvements.

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