Updating for efficiency is one of the best ways to keep your electric and gas bills low, and it also can help increase your home’s resale value. But before you jump on the energy-efficiency train, make sure you’re doing it right.
Getting a thorough home energy audit is an excellent first step. It will reveal the specific ways you can save energy, improve your comfort and boost your resale value.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans provide air circulation and a breeze in any room of the home, making your space feel cooler. This makes your home less dependent on primary heating and cooling systems, which can help reduce energy consumption.
If you’re planning to install ceiling fans in your home, make sure they’re ENERGY STAR-qualified. These fan models use better motors and lighting to lower their energy usage by 40% or more compared to standard models.
A ceiling fan’s efficacy (efficiency rating) is based on the cubic feet of airflow per watt of electricity it uses. A good fan will give you more than 100 cfm per watt; a poor one may only produce 30 cfm.
Because of their effectiveness, a ceiling fan should be a central part of an energy efficient home renovation. It’s also a good investment for potential buyers, as it can increase the value of your home.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the most important elements in a home that helps to prevent heat loss during the winter and cooling loss during the summer. It is also a critical component of any energy efficient renovation.
When it comes to insulation, there are many different types that can be used in your home. It is recommended that you seek out a professional to assess the appropriate insulation type for your particular situation.
The best insulation type will depend on your climate and the thermal resistance required. There are many different products available with varying R values, which is the measurement of a material’s thermal efficiency.
Insulation can help to reduce your energy costs, but it is essential that you choose the right product for your needs. Choosing the wrong product can result in increased utility bills, higher energy usage, and decreased comfort.
Sealing Air Leaks
Air leaks are one of the most common energy losses in a home. They happen through cracks and openings, and often worsen with age.
They also contribute to discomfort, moisture problems and poor indoor air quality. Sealing these areas can make a significant difference in your home’s comfort, health and energy costs.
A qualified energy professional will be able to pinpoint the exact locations where these air leaks occur and recommend the best solutions for your particular home’s needs.
Sealing air leaks is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to decrease your energy bills. It’s especially important to target the areas that are most vulnerable to air infiltration–usually the attic, basement and crawl space zones.
Energy Audit
An energy audit is a great way to find out where your home is losing energy and what you can do to make it more efficient. It can help you save money and improve your comfort, as well as the health and safety of those living in the home.
Energy auditors use specialized equipment and testing methods to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home. These include blower doors, infrared cameras and furnace-efficiency meters.
Using these tools can identify air leaks, missing insulation and other issues that can affect the overall energy efficiency of your home. They can also help you choose new appliances that are more energy-efficient and suggest ways to upgrade your heating system.
In addition to reducing your energy bills, an energy audit can also increase the value of your home. If you are planning to sell or lease your home in the future, buyers are more likely to pay a higher price for homes that have been made energy efficient by adding new windows and insulation, installing a new hot water tank and adjusting temperature controls.