Deidre Pfeifer

Real Estate Agent, California

  • Home
  • About Deidre
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
  • View Listings
  • Reviews
    • Deidre on Zillow
    • Leave a Review
  • Contact Deidre
You are here: Home / Archives for Home Energy Audit,Around The Home,Energy Efficient

Conducting Your Own Home Energy Audit

February 7, 2014 by Deidre Pfeifer 14,256 Comments

Conducting Your Own Home Energy AuditIf your monthly energy bill has started to make you cringe, then it might be time to conduct an energy audit on your home. Hiring a professional can cost you a pretty penny. So save the dough and examine your home yourself.

With a few tools and the tips below, you can identify problem areas that could be costing you every month.

 Energy Bills

Analyze last year’s energy bills. Each statement should itemize the energy you use each month in kilowatts. Note any spikes that could indicate problems with one of your appliances or the structure of your home.

Call your energy provider and ask what the average cost is for a home of your size in your area. Then determine how extensively you need to conduct your energy audit.

 Air Leakage

Warm or cool air escaping from your home can cost you more money and overstress your appliances. To search for cracks that air might be seeping through, light an incense stick and walk into each room of your home on a windy day. The smoke from the incense stick will highlight problem areas and you can mark them with painters’ tape.

Heating And Cooling System

Thoroughly inspect your heating and cooling equipment. Most homeowners neglect to follow appliance manufacturers’ recommendations of doing this once a year. Make sure your system is working properly.

Change filters and examine ductwork. If your appliances are older than 15 years, consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

 Insulation

Go up into your attic and check for insulation. If the insulation covers the joists, then there is probably enough to protect your home. Remove light sockets and use a flashlight to see if your walls have been insulated.

If not, you might want to have insulation blown in. Look for any stained or damaged insulation. This could be a sign of exterior leaks that need to be fixed.

 Lighting

According to Energy.gov, lighting accounts for around 10% of energy usage. As part of your energy audit, reduce your use by replacing inefficient bulbs with incandescent or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

Consider using lower-wattage bulbs in rooms that get a lot of sunlight and only turning on table lamps instead of overhead lighting at night.

 

Filed Under: Around The Home Tagged With: Home Energy Audit,Around The Home,Energy Efficient

Deidre Pfeifer

Contact Deidre


Call Today! 909.230.8181
Email: deeagent4u@gmail.com

DRE/BRE#: 01456203
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

How can I help?


0 / 180

Let’s Stay Connected!

Recent Articles

  • Tips to Discover Off Market Properties Before Everyone Else
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 30th, 2025
  • NeighborWorks America and Building Stronger Communities Continues During National Homeownership Month
  • How Habitat for Humanity Supports Homeownership By Building Hope and Homes

Equal Housing opp

Our Location


8311 HAVEN AVE STE 180
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Copyright © 2025 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in