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Energy-Efficient Home
Are You Too Hot or Too Cold?
Energy efficiency revolves around finding the weak spots in your house that lead to drafts and stuffy rooms. Our energy bills can be traced directly to our in-efficient windows, heating and cooling equipment, and insulation. You may need to consult a contractor if you have severe swings, but often it's easy to pin-point problems - and make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable.
How Energy-Efficient is Your Home. Let's Take a Look.
Image from www.energystar.gov
You can see that there are many ways for energy to escape your home. How do you plug up the leaks and keep your energy bills down?
The first step is a home energy-assessment. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, an energy assessment generally consists of analysis of your home to determine its energy usage and costs, as well as to identify specific energy efficiency projects that would save energy and money. The following links provide resources that homeowners may find helpful when beginning a home energy assessment.
- Home Energy Checkup
This online tool, produced by the Alliance to Save Energy, points out typical energy efficiency measures and identifies potential savings. The Home Energy Checkup is not a true energy assessment, however, because it does not look at your home's unique features. - Home Energy Tune-up is a professional energy assessment available throughout the country. A licensed home inspector, with special training in energy savings, will examine your home and prepare a computerized report. The report lists: the savings and costs for each energy-efficiency upgrade; upgrades which can be purchased with no out-of-pocket expense; and information for finding contractors and financing.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Home Energy Saver offers an online tool to generate detailed estimates of your total energy use as well as savings estimates for various energy efficiency options. The site also contains listings of energy-efficient appliances, and other resources.
- Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) has adopted a number of standards and procedures aimed at enhancing the credibility of rating services. You can also search their website for certified energy rating professionals.
- Interested in teaching your children about home energy use? The Alliance offers a self guided, hands-on assessment (PDF) you can do with your kids.
- State energy offices, and local electric and gas utilities may offer energy assessment services, or may be able to refer you to private sources for this service.