Conducting a home's energy audit may seem like a complex thing to do and should simply be relied on experts. However, there are ways for non pros to make their homes a bit greener without getting anyone's service. Rather than getting a paid service for the job, here are some tips for you to do your own inspection and 'greenify' your home's energy use:
Candle Test
Cold air from the outside coming inside the house can impact the home's energy use. This is where a candle test becomes useful. What you can do to determine the existence of drafts is by touring a candle throughout your home. Check windows, exterior areas, and doors. If your candle wavers, this is a clear sign that something needs to be fixed. Once you locate the places where air gets in, you can add insulation to resolve the problem.
Have You Checked The Attic?
Attics are one of the rarest places people go to inside their homes, which is why it could be the last place homeowners would expect a draft. However, the attic is a very vulnerable place when talking about insulation. To check out the area, don't forget to wear a mask in case the place is dusty. Once there, lift the insulation and check for spaces where air can enter. If gaps are discovered, use additional insulation to ensure good coverage.
Don't Forget The Ducts
Since we are talking about thin metals here, ducts are prone to losing heat when damaged or left unclean. This is why you should also inspect ducts for holes and ensure that air is not escaping. If issues are found, you're gonna want to add effective insulation, or simply do a replacement to make sure that energy loss is prevented.
There are many ways a house can lose energy and this can be through ducts and walls. If you want to ensure that there is no energy loss, you just need to test your home's efficiency and resolve any problem that you discover. This step in home improvement may be a minor one, but this will surely help you market your home once you decide to sell it or rent it out.
