Tips for Saving Energy and Money:
“Do-it-yourself” Home Energy Audits
For Immediate Release
Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383, Ext. 3213; Pager: 1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener
Lenoir, North Carolina (December 19, 2007) – During the holiday season, many people are taking extra time off from work and spending more time at home. It’s the perfect time to do a simple home energy audit and make small improvements that can help you save energy all year long.
The first thing to do when performing your own home energy audit is to make a list of any existing problems, such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. The next thing is to look for air leaks. They are common around electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames, baseboards, old or worn weather stripping, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, and wall or window-mounted air conditioners. When inspecting windows and doors for air leaks, if you can see daylight around the door or window frame, that is where the leak exists.
When looking at the outside of your home, examine areas where two different building materials meet. This includes exterior corners, areas where siding and chimneys meet, and places where the foundation and the bottom of the exterior brick or siding meet. Make sure to plug and caulk holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electric outlets, and wiring. Also, look for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation and siding of your home and seal them with the appropriate material. Finally, check the exterior caulking around doors and windows to see if they are sealed tightly.
When performing your own home energy audit, make sure to examine the ceilings and walls. If these two areas are not properly insulated, you risk heat loss in the winter and cool-air loss in the summer. Check to see that the attic hatch is as properly insulated, as well as weather-stripped and closed tightly. In the attic, determine if openings for items such as pipes, ductwork and chimneys are sealed. If you see any gaps, seal them with expanding foam caulk or another permanent sealant. Make sure all materials used are applied in accordance with code and manufacturer specifications.
Finally, when conducting an energy audit, it is also a good opportunity to make sure you have a sufficient number of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and that they are all working properly.
For more information on home energy audits and energy-saving techniques you can use, visit the Energy Tips section of Blue Ridge Electric’s web site at www.BlueRidgeEMC.com or contact your local Blue Ridge Electric office for a copy of an Energy Savers brochure.
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