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Get an Energy Audit
A surefire way to find air leaks and identify insulation problems is to have a home energy audit. The audit, which takes two to three hours, uses a blower door test and an infrared camera to pinpoint leaks and identifies ways to improve energy efficiency. Schedule the audit through your utility company and ask about rebates.
An energy audit is worth the investment because it’s almost impossible to find most sources of energy loss on your own. You’ll get a detailed report listing upgrades you can make to cut heat loss and use less energy.
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Energy Saving Myths
Some energy-saving myths have been repeated so many times that people believe they’re true. We’re here to set the record straight.
Myth 1: Replacing windows is a good investment.
New windows can increase security and comfort, but they’ll take 20 to 30 years to pay for themselves. Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane low-e windows will save energy and money, according to the Energy Star program Web site, but In a house with 20 windows, it’ll take you almost 24 years to recoup the cost of the new windows.
Myth 2: Exterior caulking is the best way to seal leaks.
Done correctly, exterior caulking keeps out water. But if you want to make your house more energy efficient, work inside, not outside. Seal attic air leaks and spray expanding foam in basement leaks, such as around cables coming into the house.
Myth 3: Closing registers saves energy.
Most heating duct systems have so many leaks that closing heating vents in unused rooms won’t force more warm air into other rooms—it will force more air out of the leaks.
In addition, forced-air heating systems are designed to operate with all of the registers open. The fixed-speed blower won’t perform as well with registers closed and can create a whistling in the ducts.
If in the winter you want to close off a portion of your house, like the upstairs, talk to a rep from your furnace company or a heating specialist to determine the best way to save energy with your furnace.
