Conducting Regular Home Energy Audits – Let’s chat about something very practical and totally worth your time: doing your own home energy audit. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds and can make a big difference in your monthly bills. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your home is comfortable in winter and cool in summer without wasting energy. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get into it.
Taking the time to do a home energy audit is like giving your home a check-up to see how energy-efficient it is. This means looking for places where you can lose heat in the winter or give off too much warmth in the summer. By identifying these areas, you can make simple solutions that make your home more comfortable and save you a lot of money over time throughout the year.
Conducting Regular Home Energy Audits
According to Forbes, the typical cost of a home energy audit is about $425, with prices ranging from $100 to $2,000, depending on factors such as the size of the home, specific tests performed and location. Generally, most homeowners will pay close to the average amount, with prices typically ranging from $0.08 to $0.15 per square foot.
Save On Energy Bills: Conduct A Home Energy Audit For Lower Costs
As energy costs continue to rise, reducing home energy use becomes increasingly important. Many homeowners could benefit from reassessing their home’s energy efficiency, but knowing where to start and what to look for can be daunting. This is where a professional home energy audit comes in handy. These assessments can identify areas of energy waste and recommend upgrades to improve energy efficiency and lower costs.
The good news is that hiring a professional isn’t the only way to discover what can be done to plug energy leaks to lower your home’s utility bills.
While a professional home energy assessment is the best way to identify where your home is losing energy and where you can save, you can still do a simple but thorough walkthrough and find many problems.
This DIY home energy check won’t be as detailed as a professional assessment, but it can help you spot some simple areas. As you go through your home, keep a checklist of the areas you visit and note any problems you find. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. Don’t assume that because your home is new or recently built, there are no energy savings opportunities. Energy-saving technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, often outstripping the training many manufacturers receive, even among the most respected.
Home Energy Assessments
The key to keeping your home energy-efficient is good insulation. Start in the attic, as this is where most heat loss occurs. Here’s what to look for:
If your DIY audit includes adding insulation to attics, walls and floors, you can save an extra 10-15% on your energy bills. This can add another $100 to $150 in annual savings.
Air leaks are the secret culprit of energy waste. They allow your precious hot or cold air to escape and draft. Here’s how to find them:
Once you find air leaks, seal them with weatherstripping, spray foam, or caulk. These quick and inexpensive fixes will make a huge difference.
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For electrical outlets, add a rubber or foam gasket to the back of each outlet and switch cover to the exterior wall of your home. These gaskets are available at home improvement stores or online and provide an easy and affordable way to stop those sneaky air leaks.
Sealing air leaks around doors, windows and other areas can reduce your heating and cooling costs by about 10-20%. For a typical household, this can translate into annual savings of about $200 to $300.
Your heating and cooling systems play a large role in your home’s energy use. Here’s how to give them a good once over:
For a budget-friendly, effective programmable thermostat, we recommend the Wise Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat. We have been using it for the past three years and it has proven to be an excellent choice for maintaining comfort and energy efficiency at home.
Save Planet (and Money) Effortlessly Without Leaving Home
Easy to install with step-by-step instructions via the Wyze app, compatible with 90% of home systems (C-Wire adapter included), and controllable from your phone, ensuring comfort and preventing frozen plumbing. Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant allows for voice control, and its 7-day schedule feature lets you set daily routines effortlessly. The Wyze app provides usage tracking and energy-saving insights, while built-in motion sensors and phone location features automatically adjust the thermostat to save energy while you’re away.
Lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling. By combining this with air sealing, you will see a total savings of around 20-30%.
By replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, the average household can save about $300 annually on their electricity bill. This contributes to a significant reduction and less frequent bulb replacement and a smaller environmental footprint.
Your appliances and electronics can be energy hogs if you’re not careful. Here’s how to check them:
How To Conduct A Home Energy Audit: Diy Step By Step Guide • Everyday Cheapskate
This highly-rated adjustable shower head puts you in charge. Choose between three spray patterns: intense, massage and combination. Using just 1.75 gallons per minute, this shower head is WaterSense certified and a stylish and eco-friendly addition to any bathroom.
Switching to a low-flow shower head can result in significant water and cost savings for a typical household. Low-flow shower heads use about 2 gallons per minute (GPM) compared to the standard 2.5 GPM. Assuming a family takes 2 showers a day, each lasting 8 minutes, this change could save about 4,380 gallons of water a year. With an average cost of $0.015 per gallon of water, that’s about $65.70 in water bill savings per year. Additionally, less hot water use can reduce energy bills, potentially adding another $50-$100 in annual savings, making the total savings about $115-$165 per year.
Now, grab those past energy bills and give them a good look. Compare them month-to-month and year-to-year to spot any unusual spikes. This little detective work can reveal when you start using more energy and help you pinpoint the reason behind it. By understanding these patterns, you can take steps to bring those bills back.
You’ve done the hard part by identifying where your home is losing power. Now, it’s time to make a plan to solve these problems:
Conduct Your Own Home Energy Audit
Doing a DIY home energy audit may seem daunting at first, but it’s a great way to control your energy use and save money. Plus, it’s one of those jobs that gives you a real sense of accomplishment. You are not only making your home more comfortable but also doing your part for the environment. So, go ahead and try it. Your wallet — and the planet — will thank you!
Remember, every little bit helps, and with these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a more energy-efficient home.
Empower yourself to save money and reduce your environmental impact with our DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist. Download the checklist and start your journey to a more energy-efficient home today!
Q: What is the most surprising thing you discovered during your home energy audit? Please share your experiences and tips.
What Home Owners Should Expect From A Home Energy Audit
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