Do you dread receiving your utility bill each month? You’re not the only one. The cost of utility power is at a record high and the rate that you pay can fluctuate at any moment, and often does. Not to mention that by simply being a resident in unlucky states can cost you big. Homeowners in states like Hawaii, California, and Connecticut pay two to three times as much as the national average rate because of pricing regulations, local fuel costs, and availability of power plants.
If your monthly electrical bill is giving you a shock, it may be time to get a home energy audit. An energy audit inspection is similar to the process of a home appraisal. In this instance, a professional will come to your home to evaluate your energy use and the efficiency of the structure. The audit will give you a report outlining the home deficiencies where it concerns wasting energy that may be costing you hundreds each month, and shed light on ways that you can make your home more energy efficient. Depending on what the results of the audit conclude, you can take steps to correct the issues and start saving money. Let’s go over some of the main efficiency updates you may want to make after your audit.
I can be saving how much??
Ditch Drafty Windows
One of the areas in your home the home energy auditor will closely inspect is the efficiency of your windows. Inefficient units let a large amount of the precious hot and cold air you pay to for, literally right the window. You could be losing hundreds and causing your air conditioning units to work extra hard throughout the year due to drafty windows. If this is happening in your home, replacing ineffective windows with qualified replacements will help to cut energy costs dramatically. Look for products with the yellow Energy Star sticker, the symbol for energy efficiency created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help consumers save money and minimize air pollution.
Pump Up The Insulation
The EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15percent on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation. In some home, particularly older ones, insulation settles over time and is less effective. The auditor will visually check your crawl space and attic to see what insulation remains and where it’s lacking. Investing in proper installation will save you hundreds in utility costs, because your home will be better equipped to keep your home warm or cool.
Prepare For Home Solar Panels
If you’re thinking about producing your own energy because you’re sick of paying steep utility rates and/or to reduce your negative environmental impact, a home energy assessment can really help in the process. A home solar panel system is a great way to offset your reliance on traditional electricity sources and save lots of money in the long run. Having an energy assessment, and preparing your home to be as efficient as possible will help to maximize the use of your solar panels. This way, the solar energy you produce won’t be going to waste. There are many advantages of solar energy, including a huge reduction in your monthly utility bill.
Get Competitive Home Audit Quotes
Once you’re ready for a home energy assessment, use a marketplace like 123SolarPower, which provides an expansive network of professionals eager to help you improve your energy consumption. We provide access to multiple local, fully licensed energy evaluators in your area and our method of sourcing competitive bids means that you can be sure you’re getting the best deal on your home energy audit cost. If you want to reduce your energy bills while you increase the value of your home, or whether you just want to be more comfortable in your home, give us a call at 800-294-2397.
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Enlisting the help of a professional can shed light on how your home wastes energy, causing you big electricity bills each month. Choosing the right energy upgrades, and adopting smarter technologies like solar panels, can greatly reduce the financial burden while also benefiting the environment.
Sources:
http://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=electricity_factors_affecting_prices