What Is President Obama’s “Home Star” All About?
Environmental concerns and skyrocketing oil prices have caused Americans to reevaluate their next steps forward. While the home seems like an impenetrable fortress, there are many spaces which create drafts, waste energy and allow expensive heat to escape. Homeowners have all different goals and budgets, but increasing home energy efficiency is a possibility for everyone. According to CNN Money Magazine, “A typical home energy audit and retrofit costs $5,000 to $8,000, which generally shaves 20%-40% off the monthly energy bills.” The Department of Energy says that there are also smaller, more affordable upgrades that can help improve the home’s energy profile. “Even the most basic upgrade puts money in our pockets, puts Americans back to work and puts energy waste on the run,” Lane Burt, manager of Building Energy Policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement. “It’s a triple play on a more efficient future.”
One type of energy audit for homeowners is conducted by professionals. An auditor will do a room-by-room inspection to assess your potential home energy savings. Most audits cost around $200 and utility companies may pay part of the tab. Within the first six months of renovating your home, you will gain this money back anyway. Professionals do what is called a “calibrated blower test,” which attaches a fan to the outside door to lower indoor air pressure and reveal where leaks might be occurring. Another test called a “thermographic inspection” uses infrared cameras to identify where heat is escaping. Auditors will look at heating and cooling systems, insulation, appliances, electronics and other areas where you may need to energy monitor a bit more closely. Before hiring a contractor, you should assemble your last 12 months of energy bills, make a list of suspected problems, ensure the contractor is licensed and insured, and check the Better Business Bureau for the company’s client satisfaction rating.
The U.S. Department of Energy says you can conduct your own home energy audit by looking at the following areas: air leaks, insulation, heating/cooling equipment and lighting. These areas account for 66% of your home’s energy consumption. To a lesser degree, you should ensure that your appliances are updated with energy efficient products and that your electronics aren’t turned on or plugged in when not in use. When assessing your insulation, check for thickness, a vapor barrier beneath the insulation and full covering of all holes in ductwork, pipes and chimneys. Check for insulation beneath the floor of unheated basements. Furnaces and air conditioners that are more than 15 years old should be replaced. Make sure you’re replacing your furnace filters and central air vacuum coils to the manufacturer’s standards. This maintenance may need to be done every month or two. Examine your lighting situation and choose 60-75 watts over 100 watt bulbs. Consider compact fluorescent lightbulbs, which use 75% less energy than standard bulbs. A kill-a-watt energy monitor device can also show you how much energy your appliances are using. Unplug every device that’s not in use.
Following your home energy audit, you won’t necessarily have to shell out $20,000 on a new furnace or air conditioning system. It’s best to start small — with upgrades in caulking or insulation — before you invest in a major overhaul. If your leaks are under 0.25 inch, use caulking. If you have a larger hole, try expanding foam. Even larger surface areas may require additional rigid foam or fiberglass insulation. Reinforcing door frames and window sashes with weather stripping is an important, yet inexpensive, way of increasing home energy efficiency. Replace your windows, add storm windows or purchase a thick set of drapes. Replace your lightbulbs with more energy efficient lighting with dimmer switches or CFLs. Look for Energy Star appliances that use 10-50% less energy. Vacuum your refrigerator coils to improve its efficiency. All these steps will help you save money in the short and long run.
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