Home Performance Audit
How your home wastes energy?Air leaks and insufficient insulation is the biggest culprit
Air leaks and insufficient insulation is usually the biggest contributor to energy waste in most existing homes. As your home ages cracks can develop along the walls, window sills and through the attic or crawlspace. Other leaks may develop through recessed lighting, ducts and plumbing work. Insulation standards have also changed through the years. Many older houses lack insulation in the walls, under the floor or have insufficient insulation in the attic space.
More than half of home energy use goes to space heating and cooling. The key to ratcheting up efficiency is to treat the entire house as one system., You can reduce your home's heating and cooling costs through proper insulation and air sealing techniques. These techniques will also make your home more comfortable.
Sealing and insulating the "envelope" or "shell" of your home — its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors — is often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Abacus Energy Solutions, LLC and ENERGY STAR estimates that a homeowner can save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs) by sealing and insulating.
- To learn more about air leaks and available incentives - click here.
- For insulation information - click here.