With the vast amount of information available, myths and misconceptions are bound to arise. Today we'll discuss the top 5 misconceptions we often hear from homeowners...Welcome to MythBusters: Home Energy Edition with A&E Construction!
There are different solutions for every home, but rarely does a homeowner need to replace all of the windows in a house.
If windows are very old or leaking, replacing windows can be beneficial, but what's more important first is making sure your home is properly air-sealed.
Instead of buying all new windows, ensuring your home is securely insulated is much more cost effective and is the first step to increased home performance.
2. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are a costly investment and can cause problems for homeowners if they have to replace roofing after installing panels.
While they are beneficial, starting out with insulation and appliances is a more effective way to begin your home energy reductions.
3. Check-Ups aren't Needed on Heating/Cooling Equipment
Scheduling an annual pre-season check up is an inexpensive way to ensure that your home's furnace and electrical connections are operating smoothly.
Changing the furnace filter yearly and performing an air compression check up can be extremely effective to your home energy reductions. In addition to this, if you have heating and cooling equipment that is over 10 years old, you might want to consider upgrading your equipment with Energy Star.
4. Beware of Energy Audit Scams
When you schedule an energy audit, be sure that you're contractor is BPI certified (Building Performance Institute). Another thing to watch out for is free audits or auditors who will simply walk around your house for 30 minutes, not testing any equipment.A&E and other BPI accredited contractors will performance a comprehensive 3 hour energy audit on the inside and outside of your home.
A good energy audit will consist of combustion and safety testing where an auditor will check your furnace and hot water system to ensure that it is ventilating safely.
5. You Can Only Perform an Energy Audit in the Winter
You can perform an energy audit all year round with the same accuracy of information. Whether you want to save on heating bills for the winter or cooling bills in the summer, a qualified home professional will find out exactly where you're losing energy and how to correct these losses.
If you're considering a home energy audit, check out our potential savings example as well as other frequently asked questions about home energy performance.
Hello Dude,
ReplyDeleteEfficient energy use, is the goal of efforts to reduce the amount of energy required to provide products and services. Simple good habits can save you power without being too inconvenient. Your changes in habit and therefore power consumption can be viewed on a building power meter. You should be aiming to keep its average reading as low as possible. Thanks for sharing it!