Fall is a good time to work on home improvement projects that will make a difference during the winter. Winter can put some serious strain on the overall energy efficiency of your home, i.e. its home performance.
Home performance is a way to describe how all parts of your home work together as a single system. You may not think of your home as a “system” or a “machine,” but it is a type of energy system. You see the energy use every month when you look at your bills.
How can you improve home performance for the fall? Do you even know where to begin? The last one is an easy question to answer: you begin with a professional energy audit. We perform energy audits in Monticello, GA and throughout our service area, and we can explain to you why energy audits are so beneficial, especially when done in the fall before the cold weather arrives.
What Is an Energy Audit?
An energy audit is a thorough evaluation of your home’s energy consumption and efficiency. Our certified professionals use specialized tools and techniques to assess how much energy your home uses, where it’s being wasted, and what measures you can take to improve efficiency. This includes inspecting insulation levels, heating and cooling systems, windows and doors, and checking for air leaks or other inefficiencies.
Benefits of a Professional Energy Audit
- Lower Energy Bills: Discovering and fixing energy leaks can significantly reduce your monthly utility costs.
- Enhanced Comfort: Eliminating drafts and improving insulation keeps your home consistently warm and comfortable.
- Increased Home Value: Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers, potentially boosting your property’s market value.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption lowers your carbon footprint, contributing to a healthier planet.
Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for an Energy Audit
Scheduling an energy audit in the fall prepares your home for the demanding winter months ahead. Here’s why fall is ideal:
- Optimal Weather Conditions: Mild fall temperatures make it easier to detect drafts and insulation issues without the extreme temperatures skewing the results.
- Ample Time for Improvements: Identifying problems in the fall gives you enough time to make necessary repairs or upgrades before winter sets in.
- Energy Savings: By addressing inefficiencies now, you can maximize your energy savings throughout the winter when heating costs are typically higher.
Our Energy Audit Process
Here is what our energy audit process includes:
- A load calculation to determine the heating and cooling requirements for comfort.
- A blower door test. This causes an air rush into your home so we can identify air leaks in the building envelope.
- An inspection of lighting, HVAC systems, water heater, attic (with a focus on insulation), windows, and doors. These are all key points where your home can lose energy.
Take Action Before Winter Arrives
Don’t let unseen energy issues leave you out in the cold this winter. A fall energy audit is a proactive step toward a more efficient and comfortable home. Plus, the savings on your energy bills can quickly offset the cost of the audit and any improvements.