It's Spring Energy Audit Time

I'm getting ready to do a spring energy audit. Did you do yours, yet? Some folks think energy audits are only necessary before winter heating season, but for air conditioning users, a spring energy audit is equally essential.

These are the primary checks I'll make during my spring energy audit:

HVAC System

The average home's energy use generates more greenhouse gases than the average car. About half relates to heating, ventilating and cooling. Keeping HVAC systems working efficiently shrinks the home's carbon footprint and saves homeowners a bundle. Did you know the average annual HVAC bill tops $1100?

An HVAC system audit includes ordering a tune-up and changing air filters. The spring tune-up ensures the air-conditioning system operates at peak efficiency. (The fall one addresses the heating system.) Energy Star publishes a list of items a contractor should check when doing a tune-up.

Monthly air filter cleaning or replacement prevents system strain and allergen spewing.

Bonus: anyone updating to an Energy Star model or buying a programmable thermostat in 2011 qualifies for partial tax credit.

Insulation

Insulation is #2 on the spring energy audit checklist. Last fall, I confirmed my suspicion that my home was one of the 46 million under insulated in America. My inspection showed attic insulation below joist level. I needed to cover those spaces to the top of the joist, then lay down a top insulation layer.

I planned to tackle attic insulation as a weekend project, but it was tedious crawling under the eaves. With that and the insulation expense, I defaulted.

Calculating the attic's remaining insulation need is task #1 for my spring audit. Then, it's upstairs to finish insulating. Quickly! Laying insulation in the cold was miserable, and I'm confident sticky summer weather wouldn't be fun to work in, either.

Insulating is partially tax-deductible through 2011.

Draft Check

A spring energy audit includes checking for drafts near windows, doors, and structures protruding through outer walls. Light a candle near those locations; if it flickers, there's a crack in need of sealant.

Ductwork

The U.S. Dept. of Energy says 10 to 30 percent of a home's energy is wasted if ductwork isn't insulated in unconditioned spaces. Ducts made of Flexduct or Ductboard don't require added insulation. But wrapping ducts that aren't self-insulated conserves precious energy, knocking down heating and cooling cost.

Sources:

DIY Home Energy Audit in 6 Easy Steps

Do It Yourself Home Energy Audit

Why Are Clean Furnace Filters So Important?

Your Home Contributes to the Quality of the Environment

A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling

Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Rebates for Energy Star Appliances

DIY How to Insulate Ductwork

How to Install Attic Insulation in One Weekend

Insulation

Checking for and Eliminating Drafts