While exams in school might have caused anxiety, it’s time to approach this differently. If you’re eager to uncover where your home is losing energy and causing your heating system to overwork, take a brief quiz that can be completed in just five minutes. This quiz will guide you to the solutions needed to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Upon completion, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised – and rewarded – when you receive your next utility bill.
Complement your efforts with a personal home energy audit by examining common trouble areas that affect every household. Then, to ensure you excel, seek assistance from a heating system service company to reinforce your energy-saving endeavors. Together, you’ll assess how your heating system fares against your home’s inherent energy inefficiencies – and conquer them once and for all.
Assess Your Home’s Performance The U.S. Department of Energy, a strong ally in managing energy costs, provides a concise Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick quiz. In just minutes, it evaluates your energy consumption habits and utility bills before suggesting practical strategies for improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Upon logging in, you’ll need to provide:
- Your ZIP code
- Household size
- Home square footage
- Type of fuel your heating system relies on, typically natural gas
After submitting, you’ll receive a list of money-saving tips. While some may be familiar, like reducing heating bills by 2 percent for each degree adjusted on your thermostat, others tailored to your home’s age and exposure may come as a pleasant surprise.
Commence the Audit Approach your home energy self-audit diligently by:
- Turning off gas-burning furnace and water heater
- Sealing windows and exterior doors
- Closing fireplace flue
- Deactivating bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
Though these steps won’t make your home airtight, they provide clearer insight into your home’s inefficiencies. To identify leaks, use a long-stemmed lighter or feather against suspected areas, especially on breezy days. The Department of Energy estimates that sealing leaks can cut utility bills by 5 to 30 percent annually.
Target various trouble spots that impede your heating system:
- Attic hatch
- Baseboards
- Doors
- Electrical outlets
- Fireplace damper
- Wall junctures
- Switch plates
- Air conditioners
- Windows and storm windows
Expect to spend time sealing leaks with caulk, weather stripping, or insulating foam. For complex repairs, especially duct sealing in inaccessible areas, enlist the assistance of Experts In Your Home in Chico for a comprehensive inspection to assess and improve your home’s airtightness, ensuring it earns a top-grade performance.