Would you know if your home was wasting energy?

Many homeowners say yes.

In many cases, you will notice something obvious, such as a draft coming through the window or sunlight shining from underneath the door. When this occurs, you can fix the problem and make your home more efficient. However, it’s possible that your home has dozens of other leaks that you’re not seeing. These leaks could be draining the heating and cooling from out of your home – and taking your dollars with it.

How can you tell where these vulnerabilities are located? By scheduling a home energy audit with an HVAC service in Peoria.

What is a Home Energy Audit? Is it Worth the Cost?

A professional energy audit will identify the areas in your home that are losing energy, as well as the best methods for fixing them and your potential savings. The question that many homeowners have is whether or not a home energy audit is worth it. Well, that all depends on how energy savvy you are and how much you can afford.

When we say “afford” we don’t just mean the cost of the energy audit, which usually runs from $300 to $500. You must also factor in what it will cost to make the necessary repairs. Some suggestions may be cheap and include placing caulk around windows or doors, while others might be more costly (i.e., new windows, new insulation). If you’re not ready to make these commitments, then a home energy audit probably isn’t worth it.

If you do choose to hold off on an energy audit, our HVAC repair company in Peoria recommends that you perform your own home energy check to spot obvious problems, such as air coming from windows, doors and electrical outlets. You can buy kits and fill these areas so you’re saving some energy. Of course, many things you can’t see without the proper tools, so this is only a short-term solution.

9 Times Out of 10 – Energy Audits are Worth It

If your budget allows, and you’re open to making the necessary improvements, a home energy audit is very worth it. Here’s why.

• Removes the guesswork. Rather than taking wild guesses on what could be sapping energy from your home, you have the answers in front of you. This saves time, money and aggravation. After all, why install new windows if you don’t need them?
• Smarter decisions. You wouldn’t buy parts for your car without having it checked first, right? The same is true for your home. Until you know what vulnerabilities your home has, you shouldn’t be buying expensive equipment.
• Fast energy savings. When the problem areas are repaired, your home saves energy, and you save money. It doesn’t take time for this to show, either. You can start enjoying more affordable utility bills right away!
• Longer lasting HVAC equipment. All HVAC equipment is an investment that you want to see the greatest return on. But, if your home is not operating efficiently, your equipment has to work harder. A home energy audit extends the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.

Not All Home Energy Auditors are Created Equally

At Cool Blew, we provide comprehensive audits that check your heating and cooling equipment, windows, doors, attic, ductwork and more. Our auditors are friendly and professional, and they are happy to provide you with DIY tips to execute on your own. We are conscious of your budget, and we will work with you to make the process economical. Call Cool Blew to schedule an assessment and start working toward a more efficient household.

Photo Credit: Jack Moreh