Home Energy Efficiency

There are numerous incentives right now to put some time and money into increasing home efficiency.  I enrolled in the CARRP program and just did an energy audit on my home.  Wow!  It turns out that my little house has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by 9,275 lbs annually and my electrical bill could be a third of what it is!  And I thought I was in good shape with recently added insulation and weather stripping.

A blower door test was done as part of the energy audit.  After depressurizing the house we walked around and felt cold air blasting through certain spots as if they were AC vents.  These spots included electrical outlets, particularly those on exterior walls; edges of windows and doors including trim; holes for plumbing like under sinks; and some vents.

A thermal imaging device showed us additional weakness such as the top of the interior flue pipe, actual doors and windows, and interior wall-ceiling junctions. 

As a result of this enlightening experience, my project list this fall includes: 

• changing all bulbs to compact florescent light bulbs without waiting for the old ones to expire
• caulk and foam all cracks and openings
• insulate electrical outlets
• insulate hot water heater and hot water piping with wraps
• seal baseboard junction with flooring system.  

With the stackable rebates available, some new windows and energy star appliances are certainly on the list as well.  Having home leaks 90% over the targeted amount is just not acceptable!