DIY Energy Evaluations: 6 Key Steps

A do-it-yourself energy evaluation helps Orlando area homeowners identify energy-usage deficiencies and save precious energy from season to season. If greater home comfort and lower energy bills sound appealing to you, use this guide to button up your home and plug the energy drain on your pocketbook.

An energy evaluation starts with a step-by-step walk-through of the home, taking note of energy deficiencies that need to be addressed. Pay close attention to these areas:

• Air leaks are common around access doors, windows, along baseboards and around the attic access door. Use a smoke or incense stick to help locate drafts; when you move the stick past an air leak, the smoke will waver. Seal air leaks with expanding foam spray, caulk and/or weatherstripping, depending on the situation.
• A clogged air filter causes an excessive pressure drop across the air handler, which increases electricity consumption and wear. Check your filter monthly during peak seasonal use.
• HVAC equipment should be periodically cleaned to promote energy efficiency and reduce wear. Use a garden hose to spray the outside unit off every couple of months (for heat pumps and A/Cs). Help maintain free airflow by removing leaves, debris and any other airflow hindrances.
• Inspect the ductwork for loose connections and faulty insulation, which are primary reasons for uneven temperatures and unbalanced airflow in the living space. Seal loose connections with mastic sealant and butyl tape. Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas.
• Boost attic insulation to prevent heat transfer from the attic to the living space during the long cooling months. Temperatures in the attic can reach in excess of 150 degrees, which compromises structural integrity and places an exorbitant load on cooling equipment. Fiberglass batts and rolls are popular insulation choices for homeowners, as is blown-in insulation depending on the situation. Make sure you’re wearing proper protective gear during installation, and call your HVAC professional for any questions.
• Water heating accounts for a significant portion of energy bills. Make sure the water heater’s thermostat is set no higher than 120 degrees.

If you have any questions about your home energy evaluation, please contact us at Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions today for more information. We provide superior HVAC and plumbing services to Central Florida.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about Energy Evaluations and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock