In today’s increasingly eco-conscious environment, homeowners are more and more concerned about decreasing their energy consumption. One North Carolina company offers a service designed to help homeowners identify areas in which they can improve their homes’ energy efficiency. According to Bill Hutchins of Wilmington, NC home energy audit provider Southeastern Energy, the best way to find out what you can do to lower your utility bills is to have a specialist conduct a thorough energy analysis.
What exactly happens during Southeastern’s ten-point energy analysis?
“When we do a home energy audit,” Hutchins says, “we take a close look at all of the energy your home is using, identify areas where energy is being wasted, and make recommendations for improvements.” Those recommendations could help you reduce your utility bills by up to 40%. Here, he explains the specific areas that are included in the inspection process.
Windows and Doors
The type and condition of a home’s windows and doors are important factors in its overall efficiency. “Much of a home’s heat loss is through windows and doors,” Hutchins says. “We thoroughly inspect windows and doors to identify leaks, drafts, installation problems, inadequate seals, window and door quality and other factors that could contribute to wasted energy.”
HVAC System and Thermostat
Your HVAC system is another important factor in your home’s energy efficiency. The age and condition of your furnace and air conditioner will be assessed, as will the air flow throughout your home. The inspector will also take note of your thermostat readings and talk with you about how you use your HVAC system to heat and cool your home at different times.
Water Heater
Your water heater will also be inspected as part of your energy analysis. Water heaters are major consumers of energy in most homes. “We look at the age and condition of your water heater,” Hutchins says, “as well as the settings on your tank to identify whether energy is being used unnecessarily.” The auditor will also look at whether or not the water tank is insulated.
Attic Insulation and Ventilation
The insulation in your attic can make a big difference in your heating and cooling costs. Your ten-point energy analysis, Hutchins says, will include an assessment of the types and amount of insulation in your attic. The inspector will also look for leaks and drafts and determine whether adequate ventilation is present.
Wall Insulation
Wall insulation will also be considered in your energy audit. “Sometimes there are rooms in your home that are finished, but not insulated at all, or not adequately insulated,” Hutchins says. “These rooms are not only more difficult to heat and cool, they make it more difficult to heat and cool the rest of your home.”
Other Factors
Other areas that will be assessed include your home’s crawlspace, garage, and lighting. Once the entire inspection has been completed, you will receive a report detailing the auditor’s findings and a list of improvements to consider for improving your home’s energy efficiency.