Conducting An Energy Audit In The Home?

Question

I've been researching the energy audit concept of how i could determine how much energy is being used in my home and perhaps the homes of family members and find ways to save energy and money. This can include electricity, fuel oil, gas and water. Reducing all these while maintaining the same or a similar lifestyle is both green and saves $.

any advice on how to go about doing this would be great.

Answer 1

The Home Energy Saver

http://hes.lbl.gov/

Energy Audit:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your...

(I am from Texas so Cooling is more a problem than Heating, but some will fix both)

Things to do right now:

1) Add insulation in the attic.

2) Install a Radiant barrier in Attic

3) Put Solar Screens on windows

4) Caulk around your vents where they come thru the sheet rock in the ceiling.

5) When you replace appliances get Energy Star ones.

6) Install Compact Fluorescents for lights

7) If you replace hot water heater get a tankless one.

8) Add proper venting in attic to release hot air, especiallty if installing radient barrier

9) If you are re-roofing your home replace shingles with lighter colored shingles.  If replacing the decking also get the solar sheild decking to have radiant barrier install by roofers when they lay your deck.

Answer 2

My utility has both an online energy audit and a home visit. The program is free and it can tell you your usage over the last year. It lets you know where your energy dollars are going and recommendations on how to become more energy efficient.

I've also found a green energy auditor at a home show, but it would cost over $1000 for the audit.

Answer 3

Some utility companies will come out and do an energy audit for you for free. Make some calls.