Going green not only helps the planet but it can help you save money. A good place to start is with an energy audit.
There are two ways to do an energy audit. You can do your own simplified energy audit and save up to 30% on your energy costs per year. According to www.powersave.com you can do this by looking for air leaks in the following ways:
• Checking for gaps at baseboards and where walls and ceilings join
• Checking around electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames and baseboards
• Ensuring there are no gaps or cracks in weather-stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, and air conditioners
• Looking for gaps around pipes and wires
• Checking the mail slot to make sure it is sealed and the spring is strong
• Inspecting windows and doors. If you can rattle them or see daylight around door and window frames, then you've got leaks
There are two ways to do an energy audit. You can do your own simplified energy audit and save up to 30% on your energy costs per year. According to www.powersave.com you can do this by looking for air leaks in the following ways:
• Checking for gaps at baseboards and where walls and ceilings join
• Checking around electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames and baseboards
• Ensuring there are no gaps or cracks in weather-stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, and air conditioners
• Looking for gaps around pipes and wires
• Checking the mail slot to make sure it is sealed and the spring is strong
• Inspecting windows and doors. If you can rattle them or see daylight around door and window frames, then you've got leaks
• Inspecting all areas where two different building materials meet, such as siding and cement foundations
• Checking to ensure doors and windows as well as outdoor outlets, pipes and faucets are caulked properly
• Sealing cracks in the mortar, foundation or siding
Another important step in reducing your energy consumption to make sure you have adequate insulation. It is amazing how much heat can be lost through the ceiling and the walls. Also, make sure there is a vapour barrier under the attic insulation and check water heaters, hot water pipes and furnace ducts for proper insulation.
If you decide to get a professional audit done, you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars. The energy auditor will ask some questions to determine the size of your house, the number and size of windows, the average thermostat setting throughout the year, the number of people living in the house, and how much each room is used. The auditor will also want to look at utility bills over a few months. He or she will then do a thorough examination of the house using equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, furnace efficiency meters and surface thermometers. The advantage to getting a professional energy auditor is that in some places you can get a rebate of up $5000 if you use a professional follow their recommendations.
Saving energy is a big step towards cutting carbon emissions. It is a win-win situation: you save money and help the environment at the same time.
