In recent years, greater and greater attention has been given to the environmental impact of our lives. While you may consider using your car less or installing energy efficient light bulbs, your home can be the biggest component of our carbon footprint. From appliances to lighting and heating, almost every aspect of our homes uses energy, so it is very easy for waste to occur. Fortunately, you can ensure that you are not wasting energy or money with an energy audit.
What is an Energy Audit?
Home performance is similar to a car or even the human body, as each system affects another. When every aspect is operating properly, the entire system functions as expected. Unfortunately, if one thing malfunctions, almost everything else is affected. A home energy audit is like a doctor’s check-up for your property. The process is a complete analysis of the health of your home and is performed by a trained and experienced professional. The audit will include an evaluation of your heating and cooling system, testing of your indoor air quality and checks on your insulation and air sealing. Once the energy audit is completed, the technician will recommend a course of action, which is tailored to meet the exact needs of your property and your budget.
The Benefits of a Home Energy Audit:
Although when you are choosing a new appliance it is easy to see which are the most energy efficient, the overall efficiency of your home can be more difficult to detect. Fortunately, a home energy audit can provide one of the most effective and quickest paths towards improving your home performance. Any issues or problem can be promptly and properly addressed, which will provide a number of benefits.
The most obvious of these benefits is lower energy bills. While you may not have noticed that your insulation is not sufficient for your home, you are certain to notice a difference in your heating bills when the problem is corrected. Correcting any issues highlighted in the home energy audit will also improve your overall home performance and enhance your home comfort. You will eliminate cold spots in your home and allow you to enjoy the perfect temperature, without worrying about your heating or cooling bills.
Another benefit of a home energy audit, which is often overlooked is improved indoor air quality. Air leaks, poor insulation and problems in your heating and cooling system can compromise your air quality without you even realising it. Unless a family member has an allergy or medical condition, you may not have noticed that your air quality had deteriorated. After the audit, you are sure to appreciate that the air feels cleaner and clearer, which will create a positive impact on your mood and your health.
If you are concerned about your environmental impact and saving energy, it is important to consider a whole home approach. While you can create an impact by upgrading your appliances and taking energy-saving measures such as turning off lights, you may actually be wasting more energy than you realise as small issues have arisen around the home. A home energy audit will highlight any issues and create a tailored plan to improve your energy efficiency.