The Importance of an Energy Audit for Your Home

This heating season, you probably want to save money on your energy use. This is especially true during this winter’s cold snap that has affected much of the country as far south as Miami and Houston. But that might not be the only reason. You might find that your home’s HVAC system is always running hard but can’t adequately heat your home. Or some rooms in your house seem cooler or hotter than others. Maybe you noticed a mold or mildew problem in a room other than your bathroom. Perhaps your water heater can’t keep up with demand. You can fix these problems by starting with a home energy audit.

How does a home energy audit work?

An energy audit looks at several specific features of your home. First, it lists the characteristics of your home’s thermal envelope: walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and skylights. Each of these features has a specific R-value, which is a measurement of the resistance to heat flow. The higher the resistance (or R-value), the better the insulative quality. Another factor is the leakage rate or how much outside air infiltrates into your home. Drafty doors and windows are the primary culprits here, however, other features of your home’s construction, age, orientation to the sun, and physical condition will have an effect. A third area to look at is your home’s mechanical system – the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) as well as the heating water.

Energy Star provides a Home Energy Yardstick website so you can compare your household’s energy use to the rest of the country. The site is a good place to start and gives some basic recommendations about making home energy efficiency improvements.

Generally, performing your own energy audit will help you discover most of the major energy usage problems in your house. For example, locating and sealing air leaks will help you save money and make your home more comfortable. An easy way is to wet your hand and then feel for drafts around:

Electrical outlets Switch plates Window frames Baseboards Weather stripping around doors Fireplace dampers Attic hatches Wall or window-mounted air conditioners.

Look and feel for gaps where pipes and wires enter a wall. Also check where your floor meets the foundation. And don’t forget mail slots. Check to see if caulking and weather stripping are applied properly and in good condition.

Every house and lifestyle, is different. It’s safe to say that climate and location are primary factors in how your home performs. The other major factor is how you use energy in your home. When combined with information about local weather, the home’s thermostat settings, as well as energy bills for a 12 month period (24 is more accurate), an energy audit can render a more accurate picture of how your home uses energy.

Unless you already have a few years experience of belly-crawling the dusty, cramped spaces of your home to weather-seal it, you should consider having a professional visit and perform an energy audit. Now you might think all an energy auditor does is seal a fan onto your front door and then prowl your house looking for drafts. Sure, they might perform this test, but not only do you get the benefit of their years of training and experience, you also gain from a fresh perspective.

Professionals can often see things you have overlooked that can help you save on your energy costs and be more energy efficient. For example, a slight discoloration along a corner of your living room wall might indicate an unsealed gap in your home’s framing that lets in cold air and moisture. This and other hidden heat loss can also be detected with heat-sensitive cameras, a tool most homeowners don’t own.

A qualified energy auditor can also give you an informed choice of options. Some fixes might just require a tube of .00 caulk to save you 0.00 in energy costs. Some fixes might be more expensive but can be done over time. An energy auditor can make recommendations for improvements and solutions based on what they learn about your living habits, needs, and budget. This can include efficient low-wattage lighting fixtures, getting the best insulation for your buck, as well was Energy Star rated appliances and upgrades so you can take advantage of both Federal and State rebate offers.

Remember, not only will an energy audit show you where to start saving money to heat your home this winter but it will identify cooling problems that cost you during the hot summer months. But whether or not you decide to do it yourself or consult a professional, you should do it as soon as possible so you can identify your home’s problems and develop a plan of action. After all, making your home energy efficient not only saves money, energy, and natural resources, it also makes your home more comfortable and enjoyable for you and your family.

all copyright goes to Keri Hilson (thank you for so much comments and views please suggest me a song ^^ thank you) download link:http: //www.emp3world.com/mp3/116081/Keri%20Hilson/Energy lyrics: I wish I could rip out a page of my memory Cuz I put to much energy in him and me Can’t wait til I get through this phase Cuz it’s killing me To bad we can’t re-write our own history Such a mystery when he’s here with me It’s hard to believe I’m still lonely Chances fading now, patience running out This ain’t how it’s supposed to be I’m having nightmares From sleeping with the enemy We gotta re-reverse the chemistry I don’t want us to be the end of me This love is taking all of my energy Energy, My Energy Taking all my energy Energy, My Energy Taking all of (my energy) Seems only like yesterday Not even gravity Could keep your feet Off the ground When u go to me How can two be as one We’ve become to divided now There’s no use hiding from my misery Such a mystery when he’s here with me It’s hard to believe I’m still lonely Chances fading now, patience running out This ain’t how it’s supposed to be I’m having nightmares From sleeping with the enemy (Oh, Yeah) We gotta re-reverse the chemistry (We gotta re-) I don’t want us to be the end of me This love is taking all of my energy Energy, My Energy Taking all my energy (Energy) Energy (Energy), My Energy (Energy) Taking all of Cause your taking all of my energy I’m having nightmares From sleeping with the enemy We gotta reverse the …
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POWER OFF GRID: BENEFITS OF A POWER OFF GRID SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME

POWER OFF GRID: BENEFITS OF A POWER OFF GRID SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME

Power off grid systems are generally utilized in remote locations without the benefit of a utility grid.  The power off grid system can also be used in an area where furbishing a power line to the local utility grid is prohibitively expensive, or in an area where blackouts and/or brownouts are frequent.  With an off grid solar power system, you would be able to provide the energy necessary to light up a cabin, home or business.

Power off grid systems comprehensively alleviate a home’s dependency on utility electrical grids.  Usually, the power off grid systems require a higher initial investment than grid-tie systems.  The difference is because there is a greater demand on the power off grid system.  A grid-tie system usually supplements a home’s energy demands, which reduces the amount of energy required from the utility grid.  In contrast, a power off grid system is responsible for providing all power to the household appliances and tools.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POWER OFF GRID SYSTEMS

When designing a power off grid system, it is best to take a holistic approach and envision the completed project from a “big picture” perspective.  This strategy is even necessary when deciding something as simple as the type of light bulbs that will be utilized.  Standard incandescent lighting is extremely energy inefficient, and as such, you may want to consider fluorescent or LED lighting instead.

Power off grid systems are usually bigger than most grid-tie systems.  For the power off grid system to be fully independent, a system must have a greater array of energy-producing panels, which in turn requires more batteries to store the charge and more equipment to regulate the charge.  However, even though the power off grid system requires a bigger initial investment, in the long run, a power off grid system may save you thousands in energy costs.

CLICK HERE TO BUILD SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Here are the main components to a power off grid system:

(1)    Solar Array:         A Solar Array is a group of solar panels which absorb solar energy and convert this to DC power.  The number and type of solar panels will determine how much energy you can produce, as will your geographic location.

(2)    PV Combiner Box:           The PV Combiner Box usually includes GFCIs which protect your solar power system from equipment damage caused by power surges and short circuits.  You can also shut down your solar power system at a moment’s notice, allowing for safe maintenance, repair, and inspection.

(3)    Charge Controller:           Your batteries will accept all electrical current running from the solar array, but overcharging can ruin them.  Charge controllers ensure batteries don’t receive current when they’re charged to capacity, protecting your investment.

(4)    DC Breaker Box:                               The DC Breaker Box includes a disconnect which will regulate the relationship between the battery bank and the inverter so it can be shut down at a moment’s notice to replace, repair, or inspect the batteries safely.

(5)    Battery Bank:     Batteries store the energy you collect through your array.  Power off grid systems must collect enough energy to power your home or business until your batteries can be charged again.

(6)    Inverter:              Inverters take DC power and convert it to AC power.  Most electrical systems (like that found in your home) run off of AC power.

(7)    Back-up Generator:        A back-up power supply is important to compensate for weather patterns which might otherwise disrupt your array’s collection.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Vinyl Windows – Why You Need Them

When looking to replace the windows in your home, be sure to look at vinyl replacement windows. These windows are not only extremely durable but very energy efficient as well. When fitted properly they can provide you with many years of use as well as improve the appearance of your home. Many families have changed to vinyl siding on their homes which based on past experiences we can see has been very beneficial to the maintenance of the homes. The same is now true of the vinyl windows which are virtually maintenance-free. One of the great aspects of vinyl replacement windows is that they resist corrosion. The initial out-of pocket cost is low enough that in a relatively short time the vinyl replacement windows will pay for themselves. There are many styles to choose from as well.

There is usually some information displayed on the vinyl replacement windows explaining the NRFC values. The will include the U-Factor, solar heat gain, visible transmittance, and leakage and on some displays, the condensation resistance. Also displayed with be the Energy Star standard. As you know, this is a program that encourages use of energy efficient products. This is something to take note as it will show you the minimum requirements for your particular area of the country as it does differ from region to region.

Vinyl windows have been found to be a good investment which will not set you back financially, but in fact, pay for itself in the long run. They come in various styles and sizes including patio doors. The benefits of vinyl replacement windows offer more than just energy efficiency, but sun protection , due to the dual pane windows, for your family and furniture . You also get security because of the solid locking mechanisms on the windows and of special note is the noise reduction factor these windows offer.

By replacing your old widows with vinyl replacement widows you will not only add significant value to your home because of the energy efficiency of the windows, but add to the beauty of your home as well. Make your home not only energy efficient but nice to look at as well.

 

 

 

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