After Your Home Energy Evaluation: Drawing up a List of Improvements

A home energy evaluation pinpoints all the areas where your home is wasting energy and spiking your energy bills. Your energy evaluator will make a thorough inspection of your home, using sophisticated equipment. Then he’ll go over the improvements that could enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Those improvements could range from investing in a new HVAC system to caulking your windows. Although your evaluator may make suggestions about what should come first, it’s really up to you to prioritize your projects according to their urgency and your budget. Here are some of the improvements you may be undertaking:

• Sealing air leaks: Air leaks can be a significant contributor to energy waste. Sealing them is relatively easy and inexpensive. Go over the leaks your evaluator has identified, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Common problem areas are windows, door frames and places where wiring and cable enter a home.
• Insulation: Insulating is another job that many homeowners can do themselves, although you might want your expert HVAC contractor to address hard-to-reach spaces. Pay special attention to your attic, which can radiate a great amount of heat into your living space when it’s hot outside.
• Windows: Use caulk to seal leaks around your windows if you can’t afford replacements just yet. Cover them with heat-reflective shades. When you can go the replacement route, choose Energy Star-qualified units.
• Programmable thermostat: Again, this is an energy upgrade that is relatively inexpensive, and easy to install.  Program it to correspond with your family’s activities. For even more precise control, give some thought to a smart programmable thermostat.
• Appliances: When you can, swap out old, inefficient appliances, such as your refrigerator, range and even your toaster.
• Power strips: This involves no work on your part, other than going to the big-box store and making the purchase. Plug your electronics and other related appliances into the power strip, and switch it off when you’re not using them. Over time, using a power strip can save you a significant amount of money.

For more expert advice, contact Davis Air Conditioning &Heating. Our expert staff can help you draw up a list of improvements, and we can help you execute your projects. We serve homeowners in greater Houston.