Tips for Performing a Simple Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit can help you save money by determining the current energy efficiency of your home. It can also help identify problem areas which can be improved. Professional home energy audits provide the best results, but you can perform a quick home energy audit on your own if you want to have an idea of your home’s current condition. In today’s article, Cardinal Heating and Air, the top HVAC maintenance company in our local area, explains how to perform a quick home energy audit.

Check if Your Attic Is Properly Insulated

Poor insulation is one of the top culprits behind a lack of energy efficiency in the home. Attic insulation is important because it seals in warmth during the winter and blocks superheated air from coming in during the summer. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value. Different types of insulating materials have different R-values per inch. In general, the colder the climate in your region, the more insulation you’ll need.

Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection

You should also schedule a professional inspection of your home’s HVAC system. Your heating and cooling systems need to be professionally inspected and tuned at least once a year. As a homeowner, your job is to keep the filter clean and the outdoor unit of your air conditioner free of debris. We also recommend installing a smart thermostat so you can optimize your home’s temperature and save money on energy bills.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks are a big problem because they waste energy by letting indoor air seep out and outside air seep in. Check the weatherstripping along all your window and door seals and replace old weatherstripping if necessary. You should also search for air leaks in the gaps around plumbing pipes and wall cracks. You can use caulk or spray foam insulation to seal any you find. Lastly, you can ask a professional HVAC company to fix any air leaks in your ductwork.

These tips can give you a general idea and a better understanding of your home’s energy efficiency. However, if you want a clear, accurate picture of your home’s energy efficiency and energy consumption, then you need to schedule a professional energy audit. Cardinal Heating and Air is the leading HVAC company in our local area because of our great products and services. We install high-performance, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.  Call us at (425) 827-9997 to learn more about our products and services or to request a consultation.