The snow has nearly disappeared, temperatures are rising, and the days are getting longer. That can only mean that spring is finally on its way. As we are still a few months away from the scorching heat of summer, now is a perfect time to have a professional energy-audit conducted on your home, helping you avoid the negative effects of inefficiency when warmer months arrive.
What is an energy audit?
An energy audit is an inspection involving multiple components that test the efficiency of your home from an energy standpoint. While there are many potential aspects of an energy audit, it usually centers around your HVAC system and the infrastructure of your home from a heating and cooling perspective.
Who conducts audits
For the most thorough results, professional home inspectors can be hired to give a detailed report on your home infrastructure. However, some parts of an energy audit can be done by yourself. This includes checking weatherstripping and windows for drafts, cleaning the coils on your refrigerator to ensure it’s running efficiently, and replacing air filters on your HVAC system.
The post-winter check-in
Winter can be incredibly tough off on the infrastructure of your home. A professional grade energy audit will be able to assess potential damage from the winter weather. This includes checking insulation, which could have compressed from cold temperatures, damage to the roof and siding from snow, ice, and other winter precipitation, and looking for small gaps and leaks in weatherstrips, doors, and windows where air could be coming in.
Optimal time for energy audit
The spring season is the optimal time to get an energy audit on your home because it is after the arctic temperatures of winter and before the blazing heat of summer. This allows for potential issues to be identified and resolved before the summer heat. It is optimal to have systems in your home, such as your central air conditioning, inspected before summer, when professionals are often at their busiest. Additionally, the moderate temperatures allow for more thorough inspection throughout the entire home, including attics, crawl spaces, and basements without worrying about dangerously low or high temperatures.
The importance of an energy audit
While we all want to save money where we can, improving your home’s energy efficiency is likely not the first method that comes to mind. The reality is a large chunk of your monthly budget goes towards heating and cooling your home. As energy rates continue to increase, it has never been more important to ensure that your home is running as efficiently as possible. So, before Ohio’s summer heat hits, take advantage of the optimal spring conditions and consider having a professional energy audit conducted on your home. An efficient home is one that can help you save!
For even more useful information and tips, be sure to check out our Energy Savings Center!
Categories: Energy Efficiency | Energy Savings | NOPEC
