Local Knowledge About Auditing And Consulting

The first step to improving the energy efficiency of your home is to find out which parts of your home use the most energy. A home energy audit will show you where these are and suggest the most effective measures for reducing your energy costs. You can conduct a simple home energy audit yourself, contact your local utility, or you can call an independent energy auditor for a more comprehensive examination. Home Energy Saver uses detailed information to estimate your home's energy usage. You can use the Energy Advisor section of the Home Energy Saver to examine how changes to your home (such as increasing the insulation in the attic) will change your home's energy usage and monthly energy bills. Another option is to get the advice of a professional. Many utilities conduct energy audits for free or for a nominal charge. For a fee, a professional contractor will analyze how your home's energy systems work together as a system and compare the analysis against your utility bills. He or she will use a variety of equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and surface thermometers to find inefficiencies that cannot be detected by a visual inspection. Finally, they will give you a list of recommendations for cost-effective energy improvements and enhanced comfort and safety.