Do It Yourself Tips
on Energy Audits
You
can easily conduct a home energy audit yourself. With
a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many problems in any
type of
house. When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have
inspected
and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy
efficiency upgrades
First,
make a list of obvious air leaks (drafts). The potential
energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30%
per
year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. Check
for
indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the
flooring and
at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow
through
these places: Electrical outlets, Switch plates, Window frames,
Baseboards,
Weather stripping around doors, Fireplace dampers, Attic hatches, Wall
or
window mounted air conditioners. Also look for gaps around pipes and
wires,
electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots. Check to see if
the
caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or
cracks,
and are in good condition.
Inspect
windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them, since
movement
means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or
window
frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks
by
caulking or weather stripping them. Check the storm windows to see if
they fit
and are not broken If you
are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic
building
pressurization test:
1.
First,
close all
exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.
2.
Turn off
all combustion
appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
3.
Then
turn on all exhaust
fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large
window fan
to suck the air out of the rooms.
This
test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them
easier to
detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these
leaks. If
you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and
if you
use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand.
You can
find this and more tips at:
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/energy_audits
This page provided by
Councilwoman Jacqueline
Goodall.
