If you are concerned about increasing utility bills, there are steps you can take to lower your home’s energy consumption. Though you can take on a number of DIY projects, you will get some of the biggest savings from a professional consultation. A DIY home energy audit might not be enough as homeowners do not generally have the expertise or the tools to conduct a thorough inspection.
Visual Energy Audit
Often the first step in a home energy audit is a visual inspection of your home, including the condition of its doors and windows for possible air leaks. A professional auditor will also examine the kinds of appliances used, levels and type of insulation, and the condition of the HVAC system. Your recent utility bills also provide valuable information regarding energy use in your home.
Thermographic Inspection
To conduct a thermographic inspection, an auditor uses a specialized scanning device to identify warm and cool areas in your home to locate sources of air leaks. This method helps assess where your home can benefit from added insulation.
Blower Door Test
The blower door test is an important step in a professional home energy audit. The blower door is a fan that is placed in an exterior doorway to pull air out of your home. This reduces air pressure inside the home. Since the outside air pressure is now higher it will enter the home through any cracks. The blower door test effectively reveals sources of leaks throughout your home.
Once the auditor analyzes the results, you will be provided with recommendations for ways in which you can save energy. Some recommendations could be relatively inexpensive such as repairing or sealing cracks or openings in windows or doors. More expensive recommendations might include replacement of inefficient HVAC systems. The investment will be worth it for the definite future savings.
The professionals at Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning Co. have the experience and knowledge to provide a thorough and effective audit of your home. Give us a call at (361) 883-9900 for more information about energy audits or our general services.
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