The idea of conducting an energy audit on your home might seem like something complicated that should be left to the experts, but there are ways for you to make your home a little greener without consulting anybody. Instead of having someone else do the work, here are a few simple ways for you to inspect your home and green up its energy use.
Do A Candle Test of Exterior Walls
Since warm or cold air coming in from outside your home can impact your energy use significantly, do the simple test of taking a candle on a tour of your home to determine if there are any drafts. Ensure that you check all the windows, doors and exterior areas where outside air can gain access. If your candle blows out or wavers, this is a surefire sign that a fix-up is needed. If you've located an area where air is getting in, you may need to caulk it or add insulation to remedy the problem.
Carefully Inspect the Attic
Since we rarely venture up to the attic, it can be one of the last places that we would look for a draft, but it can be one of the most vulnerable areas when it comes to insulation. Before heading up, put on a mask and some work gloves to protect yourself from the dusty surfaces, and lift up the insulation to inspect for any spaces where air could be accessing your home. If you've noticed gaps or places that lack coverage, fill them with additional insulation and seal it with expanding insulation for added coverage.
Don't Take Ducts for Granted
Since ducts are made of thin metal, plastic, or flexible hose they can easily lose air and heat. If they are damaged or unclean, it's important to inspect them for holes and make sure they are joined sufficiently so air is not escaping. If you've found an issue, you will want to replace or insulate them more effectively so that energy loss can be prevented and does not impact energy use throughout your entire home.
From your doors to your attic there are plenty of ways that your home can lose energy. There are simple ways you can test its efficiency and improve your energy use to save on your monthly utility cost. If you are doing some improvements so you can put your home on the market soon, Call the Shore/Hitt Real Estate Network today.
If you’re interested in buying or selling a home in Los Angeles give us a call! We know what the LA buyers and sellers are looking for and have the knowledge and experience that will help you through the buying process.
Call David Hitt or Ron Shore
818.422.1702
310.339.3094
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