Many homeowners are concerned about high utility bills, especially during the heating season. There are many ways to make your home more efficient and lower energy costs, but even small improvements can seem intimidating if you haven’t had much experience. With energy audits, you can make a small investment to let a professional do a lot of the work for you, then get specific instructions for follow-up tasks.
What the Energy Audit Involves
Once you’ve scheduled a professional energy audit, a certified inspector will arrive at your home prepared to conduct a thorough walk-though of the house. The attic, the basement and even unused rooms will be on the list, so make sure the entire house is accessible. While inspecting the house, the auditor will look for leaks or gaps in insulation that might be wasting energy.
Bills and Electricity Use
Be prepared to show the auditor what you have paid for your utilies over several months, as these can show inconsistencies or even major issues. The auditor may also use a wattage meter to directly examine the amount of energy used by your major household appliances and electronics.
Energy Evaluation Tools
Some of the tools used by the energy auditor might seem futuristic and unfamiliar. Thermographic cameras are a popular and extremely useful tool, as they read temperature, making it easier to find otherwise invisible gaps in insulation. Your auditor will also likely use a blower door test, which will cause a temporary change in air pressure inside the home in order to locate leaks.
Analysis and To-Do List
Once the energy audit is complete, you’ll receive an analysis of your home, along with suggestions for improving your home’s overall energy efficiency. For the audit to be beneficial, it’s important that you follow the advice and make needed improvements as soon as possible.
Contact Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. for more advice on improving your Mobile home’s energy efficiency with a professional energy audit. We’ve been serving southern Alabama since 1964.
