Energy usage is something that all homeowners need to be aware of. It’s no secret that the production of energy has an impact on the environment. Of course, some forms of energy production are less environmentally damaging.
However, that’s not the only concern for most homeowners. A home that isn’t energy efficient is going to cost you more money to run on a daily basis. That’s money that you could be putting away for retirement or to enjoy life right now a little more.
Fortunately, there are five very easy-to-spot signs that show your home is not energy efficient.
1. Energy Bills
You’re probably already concerned if you perceive your electricity bills to be high.
Reducing them will be a primary concern for your wallet. But, how do you know if they are simply more than you would like to spend or the result of an inefficient house?
It’s actually very simple. Divide your electricity bill for a given period by the size of your house in square feet. For example, if you’re paying $260 for a month and your home is 2000 square feet then your cost per square foot is 13 cents.
Anything over 10 cents per square foot shows a house that isn’t energy efficient. It’s time to look at ways to save energy.
2. Uneven Temperatures
You have probably got used to the fact that your kitchen is warmer than your bedroom, perhaps even put it down to the heat of cooking. However, uneven temperatures often result in you turning the thermostat up to compensate, perhaps enduring excess heat in certain sections of your home.
This is actually an indication that your home is not energy efficient. In short, the energy is escaping in some rooms while others are more efficient at retaining it.
You’ll need to look into it further to identify the issues and rectify them.
3. Dust Streaks on AC Vents
This can seem like a small thing but if you have dust streaks by your air conditioning vents then dust is entering or leaving your system. As AC units are supposed to be sealed there should be no way for dust to enter or leave them. Dust streaks are a sign that the system isn’t working properly.
It’s most likely caused by leakage from your ducts, this means you’re losing heat or cold when you need it in your home. That’s an energy efficiency issue.
4. Warm or Hot Drywall or Cold
The temperature will depend on the time of year. The best place to check this is your ceiling. If you notice hot patches on the ceiling in the summer and cold patches during the winter then your loft is missing insulation.
Any missing insulation means you’re wasting energy heating or cooling the house as the hot/cold air is staying in your home.
5. Temperature Readings
An energy-efficient house will maintain an even temperature across all the rooms. This happens because there is adequate insulation and the systems are working efficiently. The easiest way to verify this is to check the temperature where the heat arrives in your home. You’ll also need to check it where it returns to the heating or cooling system.
The two temperatures should be similar if you have an energy-efficient home.
Steps To Improve Energy Efficiency
Finding out that you don’t have an energy-efficient home isn’t an issue. It simply means you need to locate the issues and resolve them. It will make your home more comfortable to live in and save you money.
Make sure also that your energy plan is suitable for your home’s consumption. It would also be best to select the best and cheapest electricity provider to save you on some of your bills. If you live in Texas you might wonder, is texas electricity deregulated? Yes, the electricity market is deregulated and open to retail competition throughout the vast majority of Texas, or about 85%.
There are several things you can do.
Get An Inspection Done
The first step should be to call your local level 2 electrician like ontimelocalelectrician.com.au and get them to inspect the appliances in your home. They’ll be able to tell you about any electrical leakage, wiring issues, or simply advise regarding inefficient appliances.
A good electrician is also likely to spot ducting issues. This is one of the main causes of heat or cold escaping from the system. The good news is that ducts can be easily repaired or replaced, resolving the issue for you.
It’s a good idea to get your electrician to inspect the house every year, this will maximize your potential energy efficiency.
Insulation
Potentially one of the most important steps you can take is to check your insulation levels and add more where needed. It’s difficult to have too much insulation and it is very effective at keeping the heat, or even the coolness in your home.
If you’re not sure how to examine insulation levels inside walls, etc. then get professional help. They have specialist equipment that can help to ensure you have the right level of insulation.
House Inspection
This is something you can do yourself. All you have to do is walk around the exterior of your home looking at the walls. You’ll want to pay particular attention to the areas around doors and windows. You’re looking for any cracks or small gaps. These allow cool, or hot, air into your home and reduce its efficiency.
You can seal these gaps as you find them to improve the energy efficiency of your house. This will also help to keep unwanted pests out.
Replace Appliances
Sometimes the best way to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to replace the old appliances. Modern ones are generally more efficient as technology improves. The great news is that it’s easy to replace any appliance. In fact, there are several government schemes that can help you improve the energy efficiency of your appliances. It’s worth checking what’s available in your area.
Final Thoughts
Becoming more energy efficient at home helps the planet and it’s not difficult to do. But, it also helps your wallet and can make your home more comfortable to live in. It’s worth taking a few moments to improve the insulation and energy efficiency of your home. You’ll be surprised at how much difference it can make.
