Moving into a new home is exciting but it’s also a great opportunity to see how energy efficient your new place is. Doing an energy audit before you move in will help you save on energy bills and make your home more comfortable. Here’s a simple guide to do a full energy audit to get customized energy plans.
Why Do an Energy Audit Before Moving In?
Before we get started let’s talk about why an energy audit is a good idea. An energy audit will help you find out where your home is losing energy and how to fix it. By fixing these issues before you move in you’ll save money and make your home more comfortable from day one.
What You Need
Before you start gather these:
- A notebook and pen for notes
- A flashlight for dark areas
- An infrared thermometer to check temperatures
- A smoke pen or incense sticks to find air leaks
- A power meter to measure how much energy your appliances use
Check the Insulation
Insulation keeps your home at the right temperature. Poor insulation wastes a lot of energy. Here’s how to check:
- Attic: Look in the attic to see if there’s enough insulation. The amount you need depends on where you live so check local guidelines.
- Walls: Check the walls for gaps or missing insulation. An infrared thermometer will help you find cold spots.
- Floors: If you have a basement or crawl space check for insulation under the floors. Good floor insulation saves energy.
Find Air Leaks
Air leaks let warm or cool air escape which wastes energy. Here’s how to find and fix them:
- Windows and Doors: Use a smoke pen or incense stick to find drafts around windows and doors. Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Vents and Ducts: Check around vents, ducts and pipes for leaks. Use duct tape or mastic sealant to seal them.
- Electrical Outlets: Air can leak through outlets on exterior walls. Install outlet gaskets to stop drafts.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling uses a lot of energy. Make sure these systems are efficient:
- Furnace and Air Conditioner: Check how old and efficient your furnace and air conditioner are. If they’re old, consider replacing them with ENERGY STAR models.
- Thermostat: Install a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling better, save energy when you’re not home.
- Ductwork: Look at the ductwork for leaks and make sure it’s insulated. Sealed and insulated ducts work better.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors let energy escape. Check them out:
- Windows: Look for single pane windows. Not very efficient. Consider upgrading to double or triple pane windows.
- Doors: Make sure exterior doors are solid and have weatherstripping. Adding storm doors helps with insulation.
Lighting
Lighting uses a lot of energy. Here’s what to do:
- Bulbs: Replace old bulbs with energy saving LEDs. They use less energy and last longer.
- Fixtures: Make sure fixtures work with energy efficient bulbs. Consider adding dimmers and motion sensors to save more energy.
Appliances and Electronics
Appliances and electronics are big energy users. Here’s how to check them:
- Appliances: Look at how old and efficient your appliances are. Replace with ENERGY STAR models if you can.
- Electronics: Use a power meter to see how much energy your electronics use. Unplug devices when you’re not using them or use smart power strips.
Consider Renewable Energy
Want to cut energy use even more? Consider renewable energy:
- Solar Panels: Can you put solar panels on your home? They’ll reduce your electricity use.
- Wind Turbines: In some areas small wind turbines might be an option.
- Geothermal Systems: These systems heat and cool your home efficiently.
Planning For Move In
After you have checked your home, write down what you found and make a plan to secure household transportation to your new home. Start with the easy and cheap fixes. Some things like sealing air leaks and changing light bulbs are quick and cheap. Others like adding insulation or upgrading your HVAC system are more expensive and take more time.
