If you feel you are spending way too much on your utility bills every month, it may be because your home is not as energy efficient as it could be. In order to find out if your home is up to snuff or not, you have two options: pay a professional hundreds of dollars to inspect your home or conduct your very own home energy assessment.
If you are like most homeowners today, you simply do not have the extra money to pay a professional to conduct a home energy audit. So it is time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. A do-it-yourself home energy assessment may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually much easier than you may expect. Here is what you need to do…
First, compile a list of obvious air leaks, aka drafts. Check for indoor air leaks such as gaps along baseboards, the edge of your flooring, and at junctures of the walls and ceilings. You should also see if there is air flowing through your electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames, weather stripping, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, and wall- or window-mounted air conditioners. You can do this by holding a lit candle up to the previously mentioned areas of your home. If the flame moves or is blown out, you could have an air leak. You may be able to seal some of these drafts with caulk or weather stripping, but others may require a professional.
Reducing drafts in your home can add up to anywhere from 5% to 30% in annual energy savings, not to mention a more comfortable house.
If you feel it may be time to call a professional or if you have any questions, contact Allied Remodeling Corporation by calling 410-769-9700 or click here today!
Allied Remodeling is a family owned, full service remodeling company serving the Baltimore/Washington area since 1996. We offer the highest quality products and expert installation by our team of factory trained professionals; backed by our exclusive Allied Remodeling labor warranty.
Allied Remodeling was featured nationally on the Today Show and locally in Baltimore Magazine as a reliable contractor. Our company is focused on quality and strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. Thank you for taking the time to learn about us and we look forward to serving you in the future.
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Sources:
Do-it-yourself Home Energy Assessment U.S. Department of Energy
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