A professional home energy audit is the first step toward optimizing your home’s energy usage.
By identifying the areas that are causing problems, an audit will allow you to make changes to increase the energy efficiency of your home.
What to Expect From a Home Energy Audit
The process is simple and straightforward, beginning with any issues that currently exist. An auditor will make note of areas that are drafty, retain heat poorly, have excessive condensation or other problems. If you’ve noticed damp closets or leaking windows, be sure to let the technician know during this appointment.
The next step is to compare your energy usage with what’s typical for a home of the same size and with similar features, such as number of windows, doors and skylights. If you’re using energy in excess of others in the same area, the problem may lie in the efficiency of your home’s insulation, HVAC system or air leaks around doors, windows and throughout the home.
The home energy audit professional will then look at how the residents use the home, including temperature preferences, the number of people living in the house and how the home is used during working hours. A house that’s empty during the day should use much less energy than one that’s continually occupied.
Finally, it’s important to note the age of the HVAC system and how well it’s been maintained. Ductwork that has obstructions, mold or excessive dirt buildup is less efficient and requires more energy to force air through to the rooms. Updated equipment and proper maintenance go a long way toward reducing energy usage.
To schedule a home energy audit or have your HVAC system professionally serviced, contact T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Long Island residents for more than 75 years.
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