Is your home currently energy efficient or would it be a good idea to contact an insulation contractor in order to upgrade its efficiency? One way to find out the answer to this question is with an energy audit. An energy audit is like a physical examination for a home's energy efficiency.
Giving your home a thorough inspection in order to discover how efficient it actually is can save big bucks in the long run. You can do an audit yourself or you may want to hire a professional.
A do-it-yourself audit should entail the following inspection and repair points:
* Check for obvious drafty leaks and make a list of them including electrical switch plates, baseboards, windows, doorways, wall air conditioner units, attic doorways and surrounding a fireplace.
* Seal all leaks with silicone caulking, weather stripping and make sure that all window and door seals are tight. If you have single pane windows, you may want to consider investing in upgraded double panes. The initial outlay of cash will pay off in comfort and reduced utility bills over the long run.
* Inspect the insulation to see if it's still in good shape and if there's an adequate amount in all areas of your house, such as attics, crawl spaces, walls, and basements. You can add additional insulation with the help from a contractor. New insulation may come in the form of sprayed polyurethane, rigid sheets, pellets and loose fiber or blankets of batt.
* Check on the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. If yours is old and battered, not only is it probably not maintaining the temperatures as well as you'd like, it's costing a lot more to do the job.
A professional audit will entail all of the above and a few more thorough observations including:
* Blower Door Tests, which are done by a professional utilizing a heavy duty fan to observe the amount of air leakage in door areas.
* Thermographic inspections are those that are performed by using infrared and still cameras and video equipment. This technology picks up heat patterns in a household in order to determine where additional insulation may be necessary.
* PFT Infiltration Measurement Technique is another way that professionals are able to discover air leaks in your home. PFT stands for PerFlourocarbon Trace Gas and discovers energy loss over a period of time, such as a few hours or weeks. This test is helpful in discovering that there are problems, but it doesn't specifically pinpoint the locations of the inefficiency.
Whether you decide to perform your own energy audit or employ a professional, contacting a reputable insulation contractor in your area to enhance your home's efficiency is always a good idea. Be prepared in order to save money and keep your home warm and comfy before winter arrives.
Author Resource:
In the area surrounding DFW, energy efficient insulation company specializes in foil radiant barrier insulation, attic insulation, attic ventilation and home energy performance, helping you save a lot of money on your energy bills. To know more, visit http://www.efficientinsulation.net Distributed by ContentCrooner.com
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