Before undertaking a green home renovation, you should prioritize your goals in order to make the most of your budget. One of the best ways to get started is to conduct a home energy audit. You can do it yourself of hire a pro to help you identify the energy-wasting culprits in your home.
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit
If you're on a tight budget and are willing to put in a couple of hours of effort, consider conducting your own home energy audit.
Begin by gathering your old energy bills and determining your average monthly costs. Take note of any spikes at particular times of the year, and determine how your energy use compares to EnergyStar's projection for a typical home:
Heating - 29%
Cooling - 17%
Water heating -14%
Appliances - 13%
Lighting - 12%
Computers and electronics - 4%
Other - 11%
Next, gather your tools: a ladder, flashlight, measuring tape, screwdriver, dust mask and a candle (bear with me here). Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. These are main issues you'll be examining:
Air Leaks
Examine the interior and exterior of your home for gaps and cracks that allow warm air to escape, cold exterior air to enter and vice versa. According to the EPA, "the potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year." Look for these problem areas:
- Material joints and corners
- Foundation line
- Pipes that project to the exterior and electrical outlets
- Gaps around doors and windows
A handy trick is the candle test: hold a lit candle near a suspected leak and see if it flickers or burns out.