As electric bills keep rising, you’re likely looking for ways to lower your energy costs. A home energy check-up is one good way to help you lower your utility bills. However, for a comprehensive overview of what’s wrong with your home and how to fix it, you’ll likely want a home energy audit.
What Is a Home Energy Audit?
When you schedule a home energy audit, an efficiency expert will visit your home to do a series of tests. These tests assess your heating and cooling systems, identify air leaks, and evaluate your home’s insulation.
How Are HVAC Units Evaluated in a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit will pay close attention to your HVAC system. The expert conducting the audit will begin by making sure it’s the right size for the home. A system that’s either too small or too large will waste energy.
An expert will also ask about the age of your unit. If your system is more than 15 years old, it may make more sense to invest in a new, energy-efficient HVAC than to continue spending money to repair your old system.
Next, the auditor will check your maintenance records. A unit that has been regularly maintained will perform better than one that does not receive regular maintenance.
Your auditor will also look for common problems that could raise your electric bill. These include:
- Poor insulation
- Duct leaks
- Overly low thermostat settings
What’s Next?
Lowering energy consumption doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple green strategies for enhancing energy efficiency include using a smart thermostat and investing in an air filtration system. You may also want to consider a whole-house fan to lower your use of the HVAC unit.
If you aren’t sure what to do to lower energy consumption, or your audit shows that you need professional HVAC assistance, A-1 Heating and Cooling can provide the expert help you need. We offer top-tier HVAC systems and efficient maintenance services to keep your unit running well at all times. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
