Evaluate, Assess, and Save

There is no doubt that energy costs are taking a huge “chunk” out of every American’s pocketbook. With energy costs soaring, it is a good time to assess your home’s energy use.  Many websites have calculating tools that help you with this assessment.  You will need an entire year of utility bills.  What do you spend on natural gas and electricity?  Do you use other energy sources like coal or propane?  How many people live in your home?  You will also need the square footage of your home.

Is your home cold, drafty, or uncomfortable? Do you have high energy bills? Peeling paint? Excessive dust? Addressing these types of home problems can make your home more comfortable, and at the same time improve its energy efficiency — saving you money on utility bills and helping to protect the environment too.

High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks in your home’s envelope, inefficient windows or inefficient or incorrectly installed heating and cooling equipment, or poorly sealed and insulated ducts. Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems. Often, high humidity in homes with central air conditioners can be traced to improperly sized or installed air conditioners.

Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems. Often, high humidity in homes with central air conditioners can be traced to improperly sized or installed air conditioners. Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed. Inefficient windows or high indoor moisture levels from air leaks can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills. Significant differences in temperature from one room to another could be caused by several factors, including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct performance, and improperly installed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

EPA has revised the participation requirements for the “Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Program” as part of a broad effort to enhance and improve the ENERGY STAR Program. All current insulation manufacturer partners and new partners are required to sign an up-to-date Manufacturer ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement to participate. This certainly adds to the value and advantage for the purpose of purchasing a new home.

Source: “Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Program.” Insulation Products for Homes: ENERGY STAR. Web. 06 Jan. 2013.

 

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