Do you often find yourself puzzled over your seemingly high monthly energy bill? This could be due to inefficient use of the energy you’re purchasing. One way to confirm this is by conducting an energy audit of your home. Typically, this audit will uncover several measures you can take to lower your energy costs and enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Some of these efficiency-improving actions can be undertaken on your own, while others might require the expertise of a contractor.
The audit checklist below is also available as a printable PDF.
Thermal Envelope
The thermal envelop refers to how well your home prevents heat from moving from inside to outside in the winter and outside to inside in the summer.
Window and Door Drafts
On a windy day, can you feel air movement around the edge of windows or doors?
- If you notice a draft, try holding a candle near the edges and see if the flame flickers. Problems here can usually be solved with caulking and/or weather stripping. The point is to stop the air leakage.
Light Switches and Receptacles Drafts
Can you feel a draft around light switches and receptacles on outside walls?
- If you feel a draft, consider installing foam covers. They are inexpensive and can be installed behind the switch and receptacle covers. Be sure to turn the power off to the switch or receptacle before removing the plate.
Attic Insulation
Do you have at least 12 inches of attic insulation?
- If not, note that in Ohio, your home should have at an R-38 insulation in the attic. If you have fiberglass batts, add more layers. Each 6″ batt is equivalent to R-19. If you have cellulose, measure the average depth and add more until you get 12″. Each 1″ is equal to R-3.7.
Floor Insulation
If your floor is over an unheated basement or crawl space, is there at least a 6″ fiberglass batt under the floor?
- If not, remember that in Ohio your home should have at least R-19 insulation under the floor. You can add a 6″ fiberglass batt to meet this standard.
Window Panes
Do the windows have more than one pane of glass?
- If there is only one pane, consider adding a storm window to the existing one. Use rope caulk around the storm window so it will be easy to remove it in the spring for fresh air.
Recessed Ceiling Lights
If you have recessed ceiling lights, are they IC rated?
- If they’re not IC rated, remember not to cover them with insulation. IC rated recessed fixtures can be covered with insulation to reduce air leakage, but covering non-IC rated lights with insulation may cause a fire!
Attic Ventilation
Is your attic vented?
- If not, consider installing proper venting. Temperatures in an unvented attic can exceed 120 degrees in the summer time, which will increase your cooling costs.
Heating & Cooling System
The single biggest user of energy in your home is the heating and cooling system. It can also be the single biggest area for increasing energy efficiency!
Duct Work
If you have duct work and it is in an unheated area, is it sealed and insulated?
- If you have metal ductwork, it should be sealed with mastic at all joints and wrapped with at least 2 inches (R-6) of fiberglass insulation.
Forced Air System
If you have a forced air system (furnace or heat pump), is the filter clean?
- A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes your system work harder, increasing energy costs. If the filter is washable, clean it once a month. If not, replace it every month.
Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
If you have a central air conditioner or heat pump, is the outside unit free of debris?
- Any blockage can restrict airflow around the unit, reducing efficiency. Remove anything that might block the airflow to ensure your system cools or heats your home effectively.
Heating & Cooling System Maintenance
Do you have your heating and cooling system checked annually?
- Regular inspections, especially for natural gas, propane or oil furnaces, can detect leaks or cracks that could lead to carbon monoxide build up. The HVAC technician will also check for proper coolant levels in central air conditioners and heat pumps, as low coolant levels can compromise the system’s ability to effectively heat or cool your home.
Heat Pump in Winter
During the winter, do you check your heat pump’s outside unit for frost?
- A properly working heat pump will detect and melt frost as it forms. If frost continues to build up, the system will shut down and the backup heat will come on, increasing heating costs.
Appliances
This includes everything from lights to water heaters.
Water Heater Settings
Is your water heater set to a temperature above 120 degrees?
- If so, consider lowering the temperature. The only appliance that typically requires water above 120 degrees is a dishwasher. Most newer models come equipped with a built-in pre-heater.
Lighting
Do you have compact fluorescent light bulbs?
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs use a quarter of the electricity of incandescent bulbs for the same amount of light. They are available for nearly all lighting applications.
Refrigerator & Freezer Seals
Are the seals on your refrigerator and freezer tight?
- To check, place a dollar bill between the frame and the door and close it. If you can easily pull out the dollar bill, the seals may need to be replaced to increase energy efficiency.
Computer Monitor
When not in use, do you turn your computer’s monitor off?
- Even if your computer runs 24 hours a day, turning off the monitor can save significant energy. This small action could save you around $7.50 per month.