DIY Home Energy Audits: Easier Than They Sound

Most of us expend far more energy than necessary in our homes. Despite the looming threat of global warming, American homes expend an average of 920 kilowatt-hours per month on home electricity-- with some regions spiking energy consumption rates as high as 1,256 per household. This amount of largely unnecessary energy consumption comes at a high cost, both to our bank accounts and to our planet. We could cut these expenses dramatically by identifying major sources of electricity consumption throughout our home, and taking measures to improve our home efficiency.

A do-it-yourself energy audit locates major culprits of energy waste in your own home. By identifying and correcting any energy-leeches in your own home, you can easily cut your financial expenses and your ecological footprint.

You might consider performing a home energy audit during the summer and winter, when your energy consumption is likely to be at its peak. Additionally, consider an energy audit any time that you notice a sudden increase in your energy expenditure as listed on your power bill. When you have the opportunity, look around you house for these common causes of unnecessary energy use.

Pull the Plug

To protect the environment and your budget, you've got to know when to pull the plug. Passive energy consumption, caused by plugged-in electrical appliances left in "standby" mode, can account for up to 17% of your home's energy consumption-- and, most of the time, it's an entirely unnecessary expense. Look through your house for these silent energy sponges, which can drain a whopping 30 kilowatts per hour when not in use.

Cable Set-Up Box

Satellite Dish

Game Console

Television

Washing machine

Clothes dryer

CD Player

DVD Player

Microwave Oven

Computer

Printer

Scanner

Fax Machine

Copy Machine

VCR

If possible, eliminate these electric vampires by simply unplugging them when not in use. If and when you purchase a replacement product, check for an Energy Star appliance, which draws significantly less standby energy than conventional products.

A Look at Lighting

Take a good look at your home's lighting when conducting an energy audit. In most American homes, lighting accounts for about 10% of total electricity use. Look everywhere in your home for lights that are left on for extended periods of time. You're likely to find several light sources that are used unnecessarily or inefficiently. Consider your use of the following lights.

Ornamental lamps

Bedroom lights

Hall lights

Porch lights

Bathroom lights

Nightlights

Kitchen lights

Chandeliers

Mirror lighting

If you have any incandescent light bulbs in your house, switch to compact fluorescent now. And, regardless of what kinds of bulbs you use, stop leaving lights on when you are asleep or away from home. If you leave any lamps or nightlights on out of simple habit, re-adjust your habits as soon as possible. You may be surprised by the drop in your energy consumption.

Stop the Leak

Air leaks can dramatically increase your energy consumption, particularly during summer and winter. A drafty home requires massive amounts of energy to keep the area at a livable temperature during harsh weather. The U.S. Department of Energy states that most people can decrease their energy consumption by 5-30% by simply eliminating air leaks in homes. Check for leaks in the following areas of your home.

If you can rattle your doors or windows, or if you can feel a draft in any of these locations, you almost certainly have an air leak. You can also detect leaks by walking through your home with an incense stick, if the smoke flows to specific areas. Look in these specific places.

Window frames

Attic hatches

Door frames

Electrical outlets

Pipes

Wires

Switch plates

Foundation seals

Mail slots

Base boards

Fireplace dampers

Window air conditioning units

If you detect an air leak in any of these locations, you may be able to repair them at home with caulk, storm windows or other simple measures. In other cases, you may need professional help to appropriately eliminate the leak. The specific solution will depend on the air leak's location and extent.

Heating and Cooling Equipment

Your home's heating and cooling are likely responsible for the vast majority of your energy expenditure. If you are using old, outdated heating and cooling units, it's important to identify them and replace them with more efficient products. Look in your home for the following potential energy-hogs. If necessary, replace them with efficient alternatives.

Space-heaters

Forced-air furnace

Outdated central heating

Outdated central air

Uninsulated ducts and pipes

Window air conditioning units

Window heating units

Fans

If any of these systems are deteriorating or more than 15 years old, look into replacement. Also make sure to maintain these systems according to the manufacturers' instructions. An expert should take a look at your heating and cooling equipment at least once per year, and you should change the filter in a forced-air furnace every few months. By keeping all your heating and cooling in tip-top shape, you help to keep our planet cleaner and your bank account fuller.

A DIY home energy audit can help out our planet and your budget, but the do-it-yourself approach doesn't work for everyone. Should you find your bills staggeringly expensive even after your own energy audit, chat with a professional in your area about performing an expert evaluation. A trained professional can use blower door tests and thermographic scans to catch energy waste that you might not see yourself.