Energy efficiency is a critical issue in modern times. As we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and conserve our planet’s resources, many homeowners are turning to home energy audits. A home energy audit can help you identify how your home is using energy and where energy is being wasted. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to conduct a DIY home energy audit.
Preparation for a home energy audit
Before you start your energy audit, there are a few things you need to gather:
- A notepad and pen to note down areas of concern
- A flashlight to inspect dark spaces
- A ladder for checking high or hard-to-reach areas
- An infrared thermometer or an incense stick for detecting air leaks
- A tape measure for checking insulation thickness
Also, consider obtaining your utility bills for the past year to better understand your energy consumption habits and patterns.
Locating Air Leaks
The first step in your energy audit should be to locate air leaks. These leaks are often found around doors, windows, and where various parts of your house meet, such as where your walls meet your floors or ceilings.
You can often detect air leaks by running your hand over potential areas on a windy day and feeling for drafts. Another technique is to use an incense stick. Light the stick and move it around potential leak areas; the smoke will waver or be sucked out of an area with a draft. For a more accurate detection, an infrared thermometer can help find temperature differences along surfaces which indicate air leaks.
Inspecting Insulation
Next, inspect your home’s insulation. Proper insulation can drastically reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.
You’ll need to inspect the insulation in your attic, walls, and basement. Look for any areas where the insulation may be damaged or lacking. In the attic, measure the depth of the insulation using a tape measure. Compare this measurement to the recommended levels for your region.
For walls, if you have an electrical outlet on an exterior wall, you can carefully remove the cover and peek inside with a flashlight to check the insulation. Remember to turn off the power at the breaker before doing this.
Reviewing Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling systems, also known as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, are major energy consumers in a home. They can be a source of significant energy waste if not maintained properly.
Check your HVAC systems for cleanliness and maintenance. Dirty filters not only reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system but can also damage your unit. They should be replaced every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additionally, consider the age of your HVAC system. If it’s over 15 years old, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it with a more energy-efficient model.
Examining Lighting
Your lighting can be another significant source of energy use. Start by noting the types of bulbs you use in each fixture. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs are much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer.
Look at the wattage of your bulbs. Higher wattage bulbs use more energy. Often, you can use a lower wattage bulb without sacrificing light quality or brightness.
Remember, turning off lights when not in use can also significantly reduce your energy usage.
Auditing Appliances and Electronics
Appliances and electronics consume a considerable portion of a household’s energy. Evaluate your appliances for their energy efficiency. Look for Energy Star ratings on your appliances, which indicate they meet a certain level of energy efficiency.
Older appliances, especially refrigerators and washing machines, tend to be less energy-efficient. Consider the cost of replacing these with more energy-efficient models versus the cost of the energy they consume.
In terms of electronics, remember that many continue to draw power even when turned off, a phenomenon known as ‘phantom load.’ To combat this, consider using power strips and turning them off when the connected devices are not in use.
Interpreting Your Findings
Now that you’ve completed your energy audit, it’s time to interpret your findings. You likely found areas where you can make improvements, such as air leaks, inefficient lighting, or outdated appliances.
Prioritize these findings based on cost and potential energy savings. Something like sealing air leaks might be relatively inexpensive but could yield significant energy savings. On the other hand, while replacing appliances might have a high upfront cost, it could lead to substantial long-term savings.
Creating an Action Plan
Once you’ve identified your home’s energy weaknesses, you can start making a plan to address them. Some issues might be simple fixes, like replacing light bulbs or sealing up leaks. Other issues might require a larger investment, like adding insulation or replacing appliances.
To create your action plan, make a list of the energy weaknesses you identified during your audit. Beside each weakness, note the potential solution, the estimated cost, and the potential energy savings. This will help you determine which projects to tackle first.
Remember, the goal of a home energy audit isn’t to overwhelm you, but to give you a clear picture of your home’s energy use and efficiency. You don’t have to tackle everything at once.
DIY energy audit vs professional energy audit
A DIY energy audit can be an excellent starting point, especially if you’re budget-conscious. The primary advantage is that it is virtually free, save for the cost of basic tools that you might not already own. This type of audit allows you to familiarize yourself with your home’s energy consumption patterns and potential areas of inefficiency. It’s a hands-on, educational experience that empowers you with a better understanding of your home’s energy needs.
However, a DIY audit might not be as comprehensive as a professional one. Unless you have specialized knowledge or experience, there are areas of potential energy waste that you may miss. For example, some issues like improper wiring, inadequate ventilation, or structural problems can be challenging for a layperson to identify and can have significant impacts on your home’s energy efficiency.
A professional energy audit, while more costly, provides a thorough and detailed analysis of your home’s energy usage. Energy auditors have specialized tools like blower doors for detecting air leaks and infrared cameras for identifying insufficient insulation and thermal bridges. These tools often allow them to detect issues that a layperson might overlook.
Conclusion: DIY home energy audit
Conducting a DIY home energy audit is a cost-effective way to reduce your energy consumption and improve your home’s efficiency. The steps are straightforward and can be done with basic tools. The benefits of an energy audit go beyond just cost savings – they include a more comfortable living environment and a positive impact on the environment. Armed with this guide, you’re now ready to take control of your home’s energy use and start saving.
Want to read more? Well, here is a complete guide to energy audits from Energy Brokers.