Summer is here, and with it comes the scorching heat and the soaring electric bills. If you are looking for ways to save money and energy, you might want to consider doing a DIY home energy assessment to evaluate your home’s efficiency. It can help you identify and fix any problems that are wasting energy and money, such as air leaks, poor insulation, inefficient appliances, or outdated lighting.
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How to Do a DIY Home Energy Assessment
While a professional home energy assessment is the most accurate and thorough way to assess your home’s energy needs, you can also do a simple DIY assessment yourself. Here are some tips and tricks on how to do a DIY home energy assessment:
Check for air leaks. Air leaks are one of the biggest sources of energy loss in homes. They can make your home feel drafty and uncomfortable and force your AC to work harder and longer. To find air leaks, you can use a smoke stick, an incense stick, or a damp hand to detect any changes in air movement around windows, doors, outlets, vents, or cracks. You can also look for signs of air leakage, such as cobwebs, dust streaks, or peeling paint. To seal air leaks, you can use caulk, weatherstripping, foam sealant, or expanding foam.
Inspect your insulation. Insulation is another key factor in keeping your home cool and comfortable. It acts as a barrier between the hot outdoor air and the cool indoor air. To check your insulation levels, you can measure the thickness of the insulation in your attic, walls, floors, or crawl spaces. You can also look for signs of inadequate insulation, such as uneven temperatures, cold spots, or ice dams. To improve your insulation levels, you can add more insulation material, such as fiberglass batts, cellulose loose-fill, or spray foam.
Evaluate your appliances and electronics. Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of your home’s energy use. To assess their efficiency, you can look for the Energy Star label, which indicates that they meet the highest standards of energy efficiency. You can also check their age and condition and compare them with newer models. To reduce their energy consumption, you can unplug them when not in use, use power strips or smart plugs to control them remotely or replace them with more efficient ones.
Assess your lighting. Lighting accounts for about 10% of your home’s energy use. To assess your lighting efficiency, you can look for the type and wattage of the bulbs you are using. You can also check how often and how long you use them. To improve your lighting efficiency, you can switch to LED bulbs, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can also use dimmers, timers, motion sensors, or natural light to adjust your lighting needs.
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With over 70 years of experience in the electrical services industry, Palmer Electric is the leading provider of comprehensive electrical solutions in Orlando and Central Florida. We are an electrical services company that specializes in providing high-quality electrical solutions for residential and commercial customers. Contact us online or call us at 407-646-8700, we can help you with all aspects of your electrical project, from design and installation to maintenance and repair.
