This is the second part of our Home energy audit basics series , our first part in this section dealt with an introduction to Home Energy Audit. Now we are going to see how to save money by performing a home energy audit yourself.
Home energy audit not only makes you familiar about the energy consumption of your home but also paves way to minimize the cost of utilities for a life time. While the process would lead you to a money saving path, you can save some more money by adoption ‘ Do it Yourself’ Home energy Audit. Here is how you perform it.
Locate Air Leaks:
Did you know that from preventing air leaks you could save upto 30% energy used in a year? For this reason you should first begin by checking to see if there are any drafts(leaks) in your
- Switch Plates
- Electrical Outlets
- Fireplace Dampers
- Attic Hatches
- Air Conditioners
- Baseboards
- Window Frames
Insulation Level:
It is important to determine whether the insulation level of your home is optimum. While constructing the house, the level fixed might have been in par with the standard level but now as the scenario is changing the insulation level might also need alteration. Hence look into the issue and solve it.
Monitor your Heating/Cooling Equipment:
It is necessary to monitor regularly the working of your heating and cooling equipments to make sure no energy loss is taking place. If you own an equipment older than 15 years, you might want to consider replacing it.
Lighting:
Lighting contributes to 10% of your electric bill hence make sure the wattage size of the bulbs used are apt for the purpose, else replace them. Try to use compact fluorescent lamps where the lights have to be switched on for a long time at a stretch.
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This is all that is there for today, i will be back with more information on home energy audit.
