Energy Take
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 $4.00 caulk to save you $100.00 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.
 |
 Take it to your Seat Science Centers G1 2 Evan Moor US $19.99 |
 VINCE CAMUTO Jon Ivory Heels Slides Shoes Womens 85 US $22.99 |
 VINCE CAMUTO Candy Green Heels Pumps Shoes Womens 75 US $16.99 |
 SPRING BREAK AT ARUBA PHOENIX 1BR 5 1 10 TO 5 8 10 US $750.00 |
 JEEP CHEROKEE 89 2008 PERFORMANCE SPEED CHIP FUEL SAVER US $5.99 |
 MERCURY COUGAR 89 02 PERFORMANCE SPEED CHIP FUEL SAVER US $5.99 |
How much energy does it take to shoot a basketball?
Scientifically, how much energy does it take to shoot a basketball.
Or how much energy does it take to throw a basketball 10ft in the air.
Thanks.
Hello,
I looked around the internet for the weight of a basketball. It is 22 ounces. Let's convert to Pounds.
Weight = 22 ounces * (1 lb / 16 ounce)
Weight = 1.38 lb
Now the work (energy) to raise an object vertically is m*g*h, and since m * g = Weight;
Work = Weight * height raised
Work = 1.38 lb * 10 ft
Work = 13.8 foot-pounds
you could convert to calories
Work = 13.8 foot-pounds * (1 cal / 3.08 foot-pounds)
Work = 4.48 cal
Good Luck
|
|
|
|
|
The Animals Save the Planet - Energy Efficient Penguin
|
|
Consumer Guide to Solar Energy
$11.37 Description not available. |
|
|
Smoothies
$10.74 Any time and any place: that's when and where to enjoy a smoothie. It takes just minutes to blend one - making them the perfect treat for any moment of a busy day. And nothing is more healthful and refreshing than the daily dose of fresh fruit the... |
|
|
Energy over Mind (Paperback)
$11.41 Description not available. |
|
|
The Hydrogen Economy
$10.07 In THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY, author Jeremy Rifkin takes us on an eye-opening journey into the next great commercial era in history. |
|
|
Kevin Hart: I`m a Grown Little Man (DVD)
$11.83 Kevin Hart riffs on marriage, kids, and the dangers of dating in this hilarious stand-up concert, and still has energy left over to take himself to task for being short. The host of BET`s COMIC VIEW: ONE MIC STAND, Hart cracks jokes and tells stories w... |
Related posts
. 
Leave a Comment