Why You Need an Energy Audit
December 30th, 2009
From Washington D.C. to the local coffee shop, energy efficiency has become a popular topic of conversation. This is good because discussing how to make millions of existing homes more comfortable while spending less on energy is how knowledge spreads. Considering that the average age of an American home is over 30 years old, knowing how to make these homes comfortable and energy efficient is a crucial component of sustainability.
There are currently state and federal tax incentives for efficiency upgrades on existing homes. These tax credits mainly cover a small percentage of upgrade costs while encouraging investment in long-term energy savings and increased comfort and health. Even with the possibility of tax credits defraying some retrofit costs, it is important to avoid wasting money by knowing which solutions will bring the best results.
Begin with an Energy Audit
It requires specialized knowledge to make the right improvements to a home, and this is why energy projects must start with an energy audit from trained professionals. A certified energy auditor will find what can’t be seen by the naked eye, and one of the tools used to do this is an infrared thermal camera which reveals and measures temperature differences inside the home.
Here is an example from a Mosby Energy Audit of how air leaks in. The dark blue in the infrared image shows cold air coming into the bedroom from below the window and where the wall meets the floor. Once the intrusion had been found, the Mosby crew removed only the necessary areas of drywall, added insulation where it was missing, sealed joints below the window and base trim, and did new drywall and paint so it looked exactly as they found it.
Experienced energy auditors know the common weak spots in construction, and where to look for areas that are leaking the most air. Above is an exhaust fan in the bathroom ceiling as seen through the thermal camera, revealing that cold air from the attic is spilling into the bathroom.
After conducting multiple energy tests and analyzing the results, the Mosby energy auditor creates a priority list that begins with health and safety first, and then considers which solutions will bring the greatest return on investment (ROI).
ROI is categorized in an energy audit report as short-term, D.I.Y. solutions (switch to CFLs, install programmable thermostat), mid-term solutions that may require professional help (caulking or insulation, for example) and long-term solutions (like water heaters, windows or furnaces) that are a sizeable expenditure that pays for itself over a longer period of time.
Making energy improvements without an energy audit is like walking through a dark room with a flashlight; we only see what the light shines on while missing the bigger picture. An energy audit shines a bright light and shows the ways we lose energy in our homes and how to correct the issues. For proper guidance, be sure to use only certified auditors who are educated and trained in testing, analyzing and solving energy problems. Mosby Building Arts is your best choice for professional and beneficial energy improvements. Learn more about Mosby energy audit services by calling 314.909.1800 or contact us here.
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