Is it time for a free energy efficiency Audit on your home?
Here’s the thing about homes today—if yours was built in the last decade or so, it was constructed tightly. What does that mean? Well, it means that everything is tightly sealed to allow no air from going out and no outside air from sneaking in. This is great news for your HVAC systems, as it allows them to work as efficiently as possible. This isn’t, however, fool-proof
The fact of the matter is, over the years your windows and doors can develop drafts. Your ductwork can degrade to the point that you have conditioned air leaking into unused spaces such as your attic or crawlspace. You may have an aging HVAC system that’s performing inefficiently, or aging insulation that’s not keeping your home warm or cool, depending on the season. Fortunately, there is an answer to these obstacles
Audit doesn’t have to be a scary word
Especially when we’re talking about your home’s energy efficiency! A home energy audit is a comprehensive process completed by our highly trained HVAC technicians who help determine where your house is using and losing energy and/or costing you money as a result. We’ll look at all threats to your energy efficiency and make educated recommendations so that you can take steps toward saving energy, and subsequently, money.
But, what if you’re unsure if you even need a home energy audit? Are there certain signs you can watch out for?
Your home may need an energy efficieny Audit if:
Your Energy Bills are Too High: Okay, we get it—this can be subjective. But we aren’t talking about your opinion. We’re talking about how high your bills are in comparison to last year, as well as what your neighbors are paying. If your energy bills are much higher than either of these set points, then there is a very good chance you’re losing energy somewhere.
Uneven Temperatures: This is quite often the sign of ductwork issues or some other HVAC crisis that needs management. It can also indicate drafty doors and windows and could be a simple fix. The only way to know for sure though, and to cover all your basis, is to have a professional home energy audit performed.
Your HVAC Appliances Are Old: Is your air conditioner over 10 years old? While it will depend on the manufacturer and how well you take care of your system, this is typically the oldest an air conditioner will get before it starts to show signs of age—including a loss of efficiency.
Strange Smells in Your Home/A Triggered Carbon Monoxide Alarm: First off, if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, do not hesitate to call your utility company to have this checked out. It’s also worth noting though if you smell something similar to rotten eggs, it’s absolutely possible there is a gas leak. Other strange odors may come from your system if there’s a component burning out or dust has settled on the system after periods of non-use. But no matter what the end result is, this is a problem that should never be neglected.