Home Energy Efficiency explained
Home energy efficiency is one of the best things a homeowner can do to save on real out-of-pocket expenses…as well as to increase the value, comfort, and livability of their home. It has been estimated that a homeowner can save from 5% to 30% on utility costs by improving the energy efficiency of the home. But how do you really know if money is needlessly flying out the window? The first step is determining how much energy your home consumes by performing a home energy audit or assessment. A handy do-it-yourselfer can perform a simple energy assessment themselves — or a professional can do the audit using a variety of techniques and equipment that delivers a much more thorough and reliable energy audit of your home. Either way, you will begin to have a good idea of what is eating up your energy budget, and what effective measures you can take to plug the energy loss problems and prioritize their remedies .
First, let’s look at some “do-it-yourselfer” options: Begin by taking a slow and deliberate walk-thru of your house. Keep a checklist handy to track the areas you have inspected and any problems you have found. Start by locating interior air leaks (drafts) around baseboards, floor edges, electrical outlets and switches, window frames, doors, attic hatches, and all junctures of walls and ceilings. A good way to detect those leaks is by holding up a damp hand to the area being checked (it will feel cool), or to use a lit incense stick to see if the wispy smoke is pushed around. Can you rattle your doors or windows? Loose often means leaks. Can you see daylight around doors or in joints?
Do you have broken, cracked, or single pane windows? Check for holes around pipes, faucets, ductwork, and wiring. Outside it’s a good idea to check anywhere two different materials meet…like corners, siding, chimneys, foundations, pipes, wiring, exterior outlets, hose bibs, etc. It is very typical for much air infiltration and energy loss to be around the foundation and sill plates, or to be a sore spot like a poorly insulated or non-insulated basement or attic.
Moisture also is a big factor in heat loss. Large amounts of moisture moving through a ceiling or attic can promote big-time heat loss and structural damage. If you want the best energy audit possible, there are multiple routes. Your state or local energy office can often help you find a legitimate local company or organization that performs energy audits. Many gas or electric utilities do residential energy assessments or will recommend certified local auditors. Look in the Yellow Pages under ENERGY. Once you have found a professional, check with the Better Business Bureau, ask for references (and check them all), and see what their energy auditing credentials are.
The professional energy auditors will use high-tech training and equipment such as blower doors (finds leaks in the building envelope) and thermographic inspection (infrared cameras that reveal hard to detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation) to let you know what needs to be done to maximize the homes energy efficiency. The audit can address multiple factors including heating and cooling, insulation, appliances and home electronics, lighting and day-lighting, water heating, doors and windows, skylights, and so on. You will find that it is well worth the time and (generally low) cost of a professional audit to help you live better and more comfortably, help the earth, and save you long-term money.
Once an independent energy audit has helped you determine what needs fixed or upgraded, the professionals at Corvus Construction can make them happen in a timely and cost effective manner. We can advise you on the best energy saving products, as well as take on the remodeling projects that will bring your home up to energy efficiency standards. Whether replacing old windows and doors with high-performance models,
repairing outside leaks and long-neglected eve or roof damage, adding or improving insulation, rebuilding walls or siding, air sealing, or many other things…you can count on Corvus Construction to get the job done quickly and right. If you are remodeling or building from scratch, let us be the professional contractor who brings your home into the energy efficient 21st century!
Contact us today for a free home estimate!
Call Corvus Construction at (206) 355-4981 if you’re in the Seattle area or toll-free at (877) CORVUS8 for a free estimate on your energy efficient upgrades. You can also reach us 24/7 by filling out our website contact form or by sending us an e-mail at info@corvus-construction.com. You’ll be glad you did!