After Your Home Energy Audit: What Jobs to Tackle First?

First, you ought to be commended for having a home energy audit done. So many homeowners go about their efficiency improvements willy-nilly, without having a really good idea of what the key energy culprits are. By having a professional energy audit done, you know the exact nature of your trouble spots. Your auditor has used specialized equipment and procedures such as an infrared camera and a high-tech blower door test to pinpoint the leaks, cracks and holes that can be costing you big bucks on your monthly utility bill. He has also assessed your insulation, home-comfort systems and ductwork.   

Now that the audit is done, you probably have a list of recommendations in hand. Whether it’s a short or a very long list, you may be wondering what jobs should come first. By balancing the key issues of urgency, practicality and cost, you’ll be able to prioritize your energy-efficiency improvements. Here are some suggestions.

• Tend to urgent issues first, especially if you can do them yourself. For example, most people can install weatherstripping around doors and windows and apply caulks to spots where air is leaking. Most homeowners can also do some attic insulation themselves. Thanks to your energy audit, you know exactly where you need to seal and insulate.
• Factor in how long you plan to stay in your home. If you plan to put your home on the market, a new HVAC system and new thermal windows can add value to your property.
• Consider your budget. You might not have the money right now to put into a new cooling or heating system, but sealing those air leaks and adding insulation are very cost-effective way to boost your home’s energy efficiency.
• Take advantage of the restored 25C energy tax credits. Qualifying air conditioning and heating systems purchased this year are eligible for a 30 percent credit. If you’re considering a solar or geothermal installation, you’ll have a little longer. Those credits expire in 2016.

Need help making your home more energy efficient? Contact the home energy experts at C.R. Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve homeowners in the Middletown area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home energy audits and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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