Home Energy $avings
What is a home energy audit?
- A home energy audit helps you determine how much energy your home uses, where your home is inefficient, and which problem areas and fixes you should prioritize to save energy and improve the comfort of your home.
- A home energy audit should be your first step before making energy-saving home improvements, as well as before adding a renewable energy system to your home.[1]
- You may be eligible for federal tax credits if your energy audit is performed by a certified home energy auditor.[2]
How important is it to seal the envelope?
- Very important! Since a building envelope separates the unconditioned exterior environment from the conditioned interior space, it is one of the key factors that impact building energy consumption.[3]
Does the heat in your attic really matter?
- Yes! A well-sealed and insulated attic can make a real difference in your energy bills and how comfortable your home is.
- The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.[4]
- An energy audit will tell you whether you could benefit from a cost-effective project like sealing and insulating your attic.
Video on Energy Audits (Source: DOE) https://youtu.be/YolBP0-vkBU
[1] Home Energy Assessments, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments.
[2] Professional Home Energy Assessments, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/professional-home-energy-assessments.
[3] Energy-Efficient Building Envelope, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/energy-efficient-building-envelope#:~:text=Since%20a%20building%20envelope%20separates,that%20impact%20building%20energy%20consumption.
[4] Rule Your Attic! For Comfort and Savings, https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/rule_your_attic.