What exactly is an energy audit? Well, it’s not big brother coming to arrest you for leaving the bathroom light on all night (though he should!). An energy audit is a home or business inspection conducted by trained individuals to help you determine where your home or business may be losing heat to the great outdoors.
Energy auditors look for air leaks around doors and windows. Some even use a thermal camera to see inside your walls and roof to determine if you have enough insulation to keep the heat in and the cold out. They will then create a list of actions you can take to prevent heat loss. Audits cost between $300-500 and though this may sound pricey, you can save twice this amount by taking steps to prevent heat loss.
Beware, however, that there are fraudulent companies out there who will take advantage of you. The easiest way to find a reliable auditor is by contacting your state’s energy efficiency program. These organizations can get you started on ways to save and some even have incentive programs and low interest loans for improving energy savings in you home or business.
Maine: www.efficiencymaine.com
New Hampshire: www.nhsaves.com
Vermont: www.efficiencyvermont.com
Quick tips you can do yourself to save energy:
1. If you have single pane glass windows, go to your hardware store and pick up a window plastic kit. The kit contains thin plastic which will help seal your window by making an air pocket between the glass and the inside of your house. This barrier keeps out the cold air and will reduce the amount of energy you need to keep the room warm.
2. Look around your house for appliances that are always running. These include stereo equipment, monitors, clocks, TV’s, DVD players, and VCR’s. You can spot these energy bloodsuckers pretty easily if you turn off the lights in a room at night and look for the little red light that tells you it is receiving power. These electronic devices often use power even though you think they are turned off; the only way to stop them is to unplug them. You will be surprised how much your light bill will go down by doing this.
Good post. For a an introduction to a more comprehensive audit at http://greenhomesamerica.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/home-energy-audits/. You’ll find this consistent with recommendations from EPA, DOE, and state and utility programs throughout the Northeast. Remember, audits are a great place to start, but they don’t save any energy or make you more comfortable. The recommended improvements–installed properly–are the end solution. The audit just helps you get there.
Thanks!
Mike