Conducting Airflow Energy Audits for Whole-House Efficiency

Energy bills for a home are a major expenditure. One action that a homeowner can take to reduce costs and conserve energy is to seal all of the air leaks within the home. Conducting an energy audit is recommended before beginning any project because it helps to pinpoint specific areas in the home that need to be sealed or insulated.

The most efficient way to accomplish a whole-house airflow audit is a blower- door system. The blower-door fan is temporarily sealed into an exterior doorway using the door panel system. The fan blows air either in or out of the home creating a small pressure differential between the inside and the outside. The pressure difference forces air through all holes and penetrations within the home. The tighter the house is sealed, the less air is needed from the fan to create a change in the house pressure.

Infrared cameras work in conjunction with the blower-fan system and can detect the leaking areas with precision accuracy. Once located, the leaking can be arrested using caulk and spray foam insulation. After sealing the internal leaks in the house, insulating the attic and basement ceilings will have a substantial impact on the home energy bills.

When considering the type of insulation for the home, check out the Department of Energy's website at http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html . They have an interactive module that allows homeowners to enter the first three digits of their zip code along with information about their home to find the suggested amount of insulation needed for their particular area. The information is based on factors such as climate, type of home, and the age of the home.

Typically, a home requires an R-value anywhere between R39 to R50. According to the Department of Energy, R-value refers to how insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. When more than one layer of insulation is installed, the R-values of the individual layers are added together.

Whether the homeowner uses the services of a professional or chooses to do an energy audit of their own, a whole-house approach for insulating upgrades should be chosen. By checking the entire home for air leaks and then adding insulation where needed, homeowners can begin to enjoy not only personal savings on their energy bills, but also contribute to the conservation of energy.

Remember, always work safely.