Improving Energy Efficiency: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
Homeowners often struggle with how to keep their houses warm during colder months without incurring significant costs. Whether it's adding new insulation, sealing doors and windows, or even considering new windows and heating systems, there are several steps you can take to improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce energy bills. This guide will provide you with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you determine the best course of action for your home.
Who Can Help You?
The first step in optimizing your home's energy efficiency is to consult your electric provider. Many electric companies offer free home energy audits. These audits can help identify specific areas where energy is being wasted and provide you with actionable recommendations. Additionally, your electric provider may offer subsidies or incentives for energy-saving improvements, making the process more cost-effective. Make it a point to contact your local electric company and inquire about their home energy audit program.
Get a Professional Energy Audit
To gain a comprehensive understanding of your home's energy usage, consider scheduling an on-site energy audit with a certified professional. These audits typically include detailed inspections of your home's insulation, windows, doors, and other critical components. A professional audit will provide you with a detailed report outlining various energy-saving options, prioritizing them based on their return on investment (ROI) and the potential subsidies or tax incentives available.
Did you know that many community banks and credit unions offer favorable loans for home energy improvements? With a professional audit, you'll have a clearer idea of the financial aspects of upgrading your home's energy efficiency, which can make it easier to access these loan options.
Addressing Drafts and Air Leaks
One of the key areas to focus on when improving your home's energy efficiency is addressing drafts and air leaks. If you can feel cold air through your windows or around your doors, sealed windows and weather stripping can make a significant difference. Weather stripping is a flexible, peel-and-stick foam that can be easily applied to door frames or window seams, effectively sealing off drafts.
When it comes to doors, look for any gaps or cracks where cold air may be entering. Airbnb testing the perimeter of the door or checking for daylight coming through the gap between the door and the frame can help identify areas that need improvement. Weather stripping can be an effective solution, but sometimes refurbishing or aligning doors if they are slightly out of level can also help prevent drafts.
The Importance of Insulation
Insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency. In my experience, adding insulation to my attic in a 1967-built house had the fastest payback. It paid for itself in less than two years. While new windows and doors do help with comfort and appearance, they are often more expensive and take a longer time to recoup their costs through energy savings.
Windows and doors can be improved by installing new, more efficient models, especially if they are installed with new insulation around the jambs. For instance, newer windows can be installed on 8' x 4' Dow boards, which can significantly enhance the R-value of your walls. This can result in a substantial increase in energy efficiency, as it blocks wind and reduces drafts.
Heating System and Humidifiers
When it comes to your home's heating system, consider using a humidifier. The recycled air from forced hot air systems can be very drying, leading to issues like nosebleeds and a perceived chill. Humidifying the air can not only improve comfort but also make your home feel warmer, potentially reducing the frequency and duration of heating needs.
By addressing these critical areas and implementing the recommended improvements, you can significantly reduce your home's energy bills and improve your living conditions. Remember, each improvement that reduces the need for your heating system to kick on will save you money on electricity, gas, or oil.
To get started, reach out to your local electric provider for a free home energy audit. This is a crucial first step in identifying the best next steps for your home. From there, consider a professional energy audit and explore the cost-effective solutions that can help you stay warm and save money during the colder months.