By Chris Balzer, ECES
Here’s how a home energy checkup can help you save cash and reduce your carbon footprint. A simple home energy checkup can show you how to fix air leaks, see if you have insulation shortages and find other common culprits that cost you big bucks each year.
What if you could save money on your monthly expenses, increase your homes comfort, and cut back on your carbon footprint, all at once? It’s true! Three words, Home Energy Checkup. Now, it’s not as cool as buying an EV or converting your house to solar power, but, with winter around the corner, taking a home energy checkup and acting on it, will have an immediate positive impact on your life. Plus, you will be doing the planet a solid.
It all starts with a home energy check up available through your local energy provider or an insulation expert. What can you expect from a home energy checkup, lots of questions and listening from the expert. Identifying problems is like a detective, every home is not the same and every home’s energy use is not the same. Listening to the homeowner’s concerns, usage and goals are key. This helps determine and create a plan.
Here are some common areas which we find need attention.
Air Sealing Is Key – Air drafts are costly because they force a home’s heater or air conditioner to work overtime. You might think windows and doors are the primary culprits behind drafts, but the biggest air leaks happen out of plain sight – in your attic. The Department of Energy states that properly air sealing your attic can save 10% or more of heating and cooling costs, plus, increases air quality in the home by keeping the dusty attic air, in the attic. To properly air seal, we suggest using spray foam and caulking to create airtight seals around wiring and plumbing holes, hatches, air vents, ductwork and behind knee walls in attics. This can be an easy DIY project, if you are uncomfortable working in your attic sealing up those gaps, hire a professional, they have the knowledge, know-how, and expertise to fill those gaps correctly, quickly, and safely.
Never Enough Insulation – Most homes lack insulation in their attics. Building codes have increased the amount of insulation every several years, why, because they realize it isn’t enough. I am guessing that we will see another increase shortly. Most energy providers and insulation experts suggest R-38 or 14.5” of insulation. Insulation types can vary in thickness and R-value, but the key is asking how to obtain R-38 with the recommended insulation. R-value measures how well insulation can prevent the flow of heat into and out of a home. Higher R-values means greater insulation performance. The EPA estimates that bumping up your insulation can save up to 15% on monthly heating and cooling bills, and in most cases, even more.
With so many incentives and rebates currently available, now is the time to schedule your home energy check-up and make those upgrades to your home. After the initial investments, you’ll immediately begin saving money and carbon emissions. Doing right by the planet can make you happier, healthier and yes, wealthier.
Chris Balzer is Founder and President of Emerald Coast Energy Solutions which is a Smile Provider Company. We provide smiles to our customers after installing our high energy efficient products, increasing comfort and lowering energy bills. For more information on how to save and become energy efficient schedule an inspection by calling (850) 588-2870, visit www.trusteces.com or email wecare@trusteces.com and Beat the Heat.
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