Conducting an energy evaluation is the first step in determining how to make your home more energy efficient. Use the following guide to help locate and eliminate problem areas when evaluating your home’s energy needs.
Air leaks
Unsealed cracks and openings are one of the leading causes of energy loss in the average home. Use the following tips to inspect your home for leaks:
- Try using a stick of incense to locate leaks. Hold it up to windows, doors and seams between building materials. When you come across an air leak, the movement of the air will cause the smoke to waver.
- Common problem areas that you should check include the areas around windows, doors, electrical outlets, attic access openings, baseboards, dryer vents, and plumbing pipes and fixtures.
- Seal any openings with caulk, expanding spray foam or weather stripping.
Insulation
- Check insulation levels in your attic, basement, walls, floors and ceilings to make sure you home is adequately insulated.
- Check to see if your ductwork is insulated where it runs through unheated areas such as your basement, garage or attic.
Depending upon your findings, you may be able to add extra insulation yourself, or you may need to hire a professional to do it for you.
Heating and cooling system
- Check the air filters on your furnace, heat pump or air conditioner to make sure they are clean. If not, replace them with new filters.
- Schedule an annual service visit for your HVAC system. The cost of the visit can often pay for itself through energy savings, and will allow you to spot any potential problems before they become major repairs.
- Consider upgrading outdated equipment with new, Energy Star-qualified models.
Taking the time to conduct your own energy evaluation can wind up saving you a great deal of money in the long run. If you live in southeast Michigan and would like to schedule an annual service visit for your HVAC system, or if you want to learn more about upgrading outdated equipment, contact us at Aladdin Heating & Cooling.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Aladding Heating & Cooling services the Detroit, Michigan and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!