Can you afford not to take advantage of energy audit benefits? Lower energy costs, higher home value, fewer greenhouse gas contributions - these are just a few of the benefits Dunwoody homeowners can secure when they schedule an energy audit. Find out what the energy audit is, why you need one, and the many perks you'll get from investing in one.
What is an Energy Audit?
The interior shell of your home probably looks airtight, at least to the naked eye. And so does the exterior of your home. But upon closer inspection, it likely leaks around window frames and doors, around electrical protrusions and more. But you won't see these leaks with your eye. You might be able to feel a few leaks with your hand - if the wind is blowing strongly.
With an audit, you'll get an up-close look at where your home is really losing energy. In fact, that's the primary value that the energy audit holds. Without it, you're really left to guess where the home leaks, and any fixes are truly stabs in the dark.
When you schedule an audit, the technician will conduct two key tests:
- A door blower test. With a blower device attached to an exterior door, the technician can gauge how much air the home loses, and precisely where air transfer occurs.
- An infrared camera test. This test is important because the home loses energy not just through cracks and leaks in the structure. If the insulation is lacking or degraded, heat will move through the walls. The infrared camera essential takes a picture of this activity, helping the technician to pinpoint areas that need improvement.
Benefits of an Audit
With information about structure and insulation problems, you'll be able to seal leaks and upgrade insulation to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Do what it takes to create a more efficient home, and you'll secure these benefits:
- Comfort. You'll have fewer drafts, as more of the home's heat is kept inside. The home's temperature also stays more consistent as a result, with fewer temperature swings.
- Higher efficiency. With less heat lost, you'll reduce energy bills. When you cut the cycle of continual heat loss, you keep more heat circulating through the home, and your heater won't have to run as often.
- Higher home value. As you raise the home's efficiency, you'll also increase your home's value. When you put it on the market, buyers will see the work you've put into the home's overall energy efficiency as a unique selling point.
- Fewer greenhouse gases. When your HVAC system doesn't have to run as often to make up for the lost heat, you're not only saving on energy consumption. Whenever you can decrease your home's energy consumption, that means that your home is consuming less energy, and releasing fewer greenhouse gases. Essentially, a tighter home contributes to a greener home.
The money you invest in an energy audit translates to many benefits. More money in your pocket, a more comfortable home and a more valuable home - these are significant energy audit benefits you need to take advantage of. We can help you tackle an audit. Just give Reliable Heating and Air a call today!
Image Source: Flickr