As the days grow shorter, and Winter fast approaches, Home Energy costs are on evreyone's mind. Especially here in the North East!
A Home Energy Audit can save you money and ease a bit of the pain! Even if you can't afford to have a professional come to your home...there are certain steps you can take to do it yourself!
Drafts: Drafts can cost anywhere from 5% to 30% in increased heating costs. Make a list of obvious leaks such as gaps along baseboards or the edge of the flooring. Other areas to check are...
- Switch Plates
- Windows
- Electrical outlets
- Around Doors
- Fireplace Dampers
- Attic Hatches
When checking Windows 
and Doors see if you can rattle them. Movement could mean possible air leaks. These can usually be sealed by caulking and weather stripping! Also check the storm windows to make sure they are in good condition. If financially able you may wish to replace your old windows and doors with newer high performance ones.
You can also perform a building pressurization test. This test will increase air infiltration through cracks and leaks so they are easier to find!
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1-Close all exterior doors and windows and flues
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2-Turn off all combustion appliances (such as water heaters)
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3-Turn on all exhaust fans or use a large window fan on exhaust
Using a damp hand.... go around the areas of concern and the drafts will feel cool to your hand!
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Some home upgrades may be subsidized depending on where you live! You can also get Federal Tax Credit for various Home Improvements. There are many Government Incentives that promote renewable energy.
HOME ENERGY SAVER
HOME ENERGY CHECKUP
If you have considered "Building Green" and would like more information or resources...please contact me! I would be happy to assist you and if I don't have it....I'll get it!
Concord New Hampshire Realtor Energy and Energy Star #5
NH's Four Seasons
Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Homequest Real Estate, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)
Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"
Having crossed over to the "other side of Middle Age" herself....Joan is an ongoing source of information about local programs, facilities and issues specific to her peers!
Livin' the Life...and Ridin' the Wave
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Hi Joan - Great tips! Thanks!
We have always gone through every house we have bought and insulated around the outlets on exterior walls, light switches and any sconce lighting if it's there. I also do a little padding on the weather strip on the doors.
My door installer told me to spread that little rubber gasket on the door frame and place the thinnest strip of self adhesive foam insulation you can find in the gap. Then when you close the door you have one heck of a seal. It has worked extremely well for us - and our winters are similar to yours! Thanks again!