What Is An Energy Audit?
Do your heating bills seem extra high this winter? Are you concerned about the effectiveness of your current air conditioning system? Do you regularly feel drafts or suspect there may be leaks that allow your home’s heated or cooled air to escape? An energy audit can help address these questions and more with a careful evaluation of your home’s structure and HVAC systems. A technician can then help you implement solutions that will increase energy efficiency and dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs.
What Is An Energy Audit?
Contents
The main goal of an energy audit is to increase the energy efficiency of your home. The United States Department of Energy recommends audits for many reasons. Some of these reasons include the reduction of your heating and cooling costs and to help protect the environment by reducing your overall energy consumption. Most homes produce more air pollution than a standard car. This means that your home contributes to smog and global warming. By reducing your home’s energy consumption, you can help improve the air quality right here in your New Jersey area.
Who Performs Energy Audits?
You can evaluate some aspects of your home’s energy efficiency yourself. However, it is best to hire a thorough, knowledgeable, and trained energy auditor. Many full-service heating and cooling companies, like Point Bay Fuel, offer energy audits, as they are vitally important to improving the effectiveness of your HVAC system.
What Happens First?
Surprisingly enough, energy audits do not begin with a walk-through. Instead, your auditor will want to see fuel bills from the past year. Likewise, they will ask you about any problems you have noticed. Furthermore, they will also explain the audit process to you in detail so that you know exactly what to expect.
What Happens During The Energy Audit Walk-Through?
Energy audit FAQs always include this question, because the process can be quite involved. During the energy audit, your auditor will conduct both interior and exterior inspections, looking for visual signs of structural damage or potential air leakage. Two of the most common tools used to identify air leaks are infrared cameras and something called a blower door test. Infrared imaging shows temperature variations within your home, which can be a clear indicator of air leaks. The blower door test involves using a special fan to depressurize a home and locate air leaks. Air leaks are the primary cause of energy loss, so auditors will pay close attention to windows, doors, and outlets.
Your auditor will also inspect any electrical systems as well as fuel-burning combustion appliances. This includes potential electrical hazards in the kitchen as well as water heater insulation. Other aspects or areas your auditor will address include:
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation and framing
- Fireplace
- Thermostat type and settings
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Lighting fixtures
- Location and number of air vents or registers
What Happens After The Energy Audit?
As you can see, energy audits are extremely thorough. After the audit, your specialist will assess his or her findings and provide a comprehensive home energy report. Review your report with HVAC specialists and see what improvements you can make. Doing so will increase your home’s overall energy efficiency while lowering your energy consumption and energy costs.
Contact Point Bay Fuel For Effective Home Energy Solutions
Point Bay Fuel provides excellent HVAC services and home comfort solutions in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. We have highly-trained, certified technicians who offer top-notch heating and cooling services, such as furnace repairs, A/C installations, and more. All our experienced techs have the right tools, skills, and knowledge to correctly service any HVAC make and model. Likewise, we can offer energy solutions that improve your energy efficiency and comfort.
Our company has one of the most affordable service costs in the area. Our HVAC services help increase your home comfort, energy-efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. If you need to replace your HVAC system, we can help you find the best one that fits within your budget. Your satisfaction is our priority so all of our services come with a guarantee. Book an appointment and call Point Bay Fuel today for a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate.
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!