Welcome back to my 4 part blog series on Conducting a Home Energy Audit!
If you missed Part 1, I discussed locating the leaks in your home. Locating exactly where you are leaking air in your home can save you hundreds of dollars each year! Part 2 covered how to conduct a home energy audit in your attic - or specifically, with your insulation.
Today, I want to discuss auditing your heating & cooling. Did you know that heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes.
It is always recommended to inspect your heating and cooling equipment annually, or as directed by the manufacturer. You should be diligent in checking your filters and replacing them as needed. A general rule of thumb, you should change them about once every month or two, especially during periods of high usage.
You should also have a heating and cooling professional check and clean your equipment once a year. EnergySavers.gov recommends that if the unit is more than 15 years old, you should consider replacing your system with one of the newer, energy-efficient units. A new unit would greatly reduce your energy consumption, especially if the existing equipment is in poor condition. Check your duct-work for dirt streaks, especially near seams. These indicate air leaks, and they should be sealed with a duct mastic! Also make sure to insulate any ducts or pipes that travel through unheated spaces.
For more energy saving tips on your home, visit EnergySavers.gov! Come back tomorrow for the last of my "Conducting a Home Energy Audit" Series Part 4: Lighting where I will discuss how to save money on your lighting!
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Maggie -- This is an EXCELLENT series on saving on energy expenses. The money invested in annual maintenance as well as changing out filters can save so much in the long run. I upgraded my furnace as well as central air and I cannot believe how little (yes, I said 'little') I spend now compared to what I was spending before. Sure, I had a bit of a capital outlay, but it was well worth it! It is paying for itself VERY quickly. These new units are so energy efficient. I couldn't believe the first central air bill I had running every day after the initial install. I thought it was a mistake!
I am so happy to say that many homes here on Maui don't have any kind of heating and cooling. It seems that the newer homes and condos all have to go with AC but in the old days they never bothered with it.... just designed the homes to take advantage of the trade winds for cooling, and maybe a fireplace for heat in the winter if needed.