How Old are Your Appliances?
Old appliances consume more energy than new ones. Manufacturers have improved their technology and products so that newer refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, and HVAC systems use less energy.
Most appliances don’t last much longer than a decade. If your appliances are older than 10 years, replace them with new ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense models to make your home energy-efficient.
Is the House’s Insulation Helping to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient?
Insulation plays a crucial role in the energy efficiency of a home. It needs to have the correct R-value for the climate zone and be in good condition to be effective. Insulation in the attic, crawlspace, and attic is easy to access to check out the condition.
Insulation inside the walls is more difficult to inspect. You’ll need to hire a home inspector who uses thermal imaging to find out if the insulation behind the walls is in good shape and sufficient for your home.
When was the HVAC Last Serviced?
Regular HVAC maintenance helps the system run more efficiently. Hire a technician to come out twice a year and clean the unit, change the filter, and inspect for damage. Get into the habit of scheduling HVAC servicing in the spring and again in fall to boost your home’s efficiency.
Make Your Home Energy-Efficient: Is the House Airtight?
An airtight home keeps conditioned air inside, so the heating and cooling system doesn’t kick on as frequently. Go around the house and seal up any areas where air can leak in or out, specifically around doors and windows. Adhesive weatherstrips and caulk are all you need to make your home airtight.
When you take the above steps to make your home energy-efficient, you will enjoy lower bills and a lesser impact on the environment. You’ll also be more comfortable in your home because it will stay cozy and warm in the winter and cool and refreshing in the summer. Boosting efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive or hard work. Ask yourself these questions and you’ll know where to focus your efforts.
Drew Inspection Service offers home inspections, including thermal imaging, to western South Dakota. Contact us to request an appointment.