Home Energy Audits and Five Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

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So green is the new black? Welcome to trend number 564,312...Go Green.

Though I'll admit, this is one trend I'm cool with following.

So where exactly do you need to go to get green? You need not look further than your own home to make an impact on the environment, your health and your pocketbook. I'm referring to a Complete Home Evaluation Including an Envelope and Home Energy Audit. It's a mouthful, but simply it's kind of like a check-up for your home.

Our home had a few nagging issues that needed tending and so my husband called our go-to-guy Frank Danna of Danna Enterprises. Frank has been helping us with home repairs and small remodeling projects for years. We've trusted him with all types of undertakings including bathrooms, drywall, electrical, plumbing, painting, flooring and more. When he asked if we'd be interested in setting up an appointment for an evaluation and energy audit, we couldn't see the downside and were thrilled that our favorite home improver was getting Certified through Building Performance Institute.

Frank came armed with about $10,000 worth of equipment and checklists. I followed him from room to room and asked questions throughout the inspection. I quickly learned that this isn't a "Do-It-Yourself" type project, and now realize that the average homeowner is ignorant of the complexity of her surrounding structure. (The average homeowner being me and the structure being my house.)

The entire house was addressed, and though I was excited about the environmental impact, Frank was more concerned with trying to solve the problems of high energy bills, comfort and indoor air quality. He mentioned that if he gets to the root of these problems, the energy efficiency would be a by-product of making the home a more comfortable and healthier place to live.

Here are Frank's Five Tips to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient:

1. Make sure you have weather stripping on all exterior doors. It's simple, but efficient.

2. Start in the attic and work down - find every top plate, light, wire, ceiling fan and vent stacks and air seal any holes. Frank notes, "It takes a solid understanding of construction to know where to air seal."

3. Add caulking around windows and doors on the outside. Windows and doors are going to leak air no matter what, but it will help a little. It's important to remember that when it comes to windows, it's all about the installation process. Older windows that were installed properly will leak a lot less than new expensive "energy-efficient" windows that were installed poorly.

4. Purchase and install a programmable thermostat pronto.

5. If you have an unfinished basement, purchase a few cans of GREAT STUFF Insulating Foam Sealant from Lowes or Home Depot and create a seal where wood meets your foundation. Be sure to then stuff insulation batting into these spaces.

What to expect during the assessment:

Each assessment includes diagnostic tests of your home lasting three-five hours. A blower door test determines air leakage and assists in finding the largest air paths, which are one of the largest energy losses in homes. Some of the culprits were obvious, others I would have never guessed including outlets on exterior walls and even door frames on interior walls.

A test on the duct system determines how effectively the heating and cooling system is delivering air to the house versus how much is lost to, or gained from, unconditioned spaces like the crawlspace or attic. Frank even has an infrared camera to help skeptical homeowners see inside their walls.

The other tests conducted were checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide (CO) leaks, mold problems and water leaks.

Our assessment concluded that we have an outdoor gas leak (which reminds me I should call Laclede this afternoon), a lot of air sealing to do in the attic, a need for an additional CO Monitor and foam sealant in our unfinished basement.

Sure, a home evaluation and energy audit energy will help reduce your carbon footprint, make songbirds sing, instantly grow rainbows and Mother Nature will love you for it, but all those warm fuzzy stuff aside, it's good for YOU. How? For starters, it improves your comfort within your home by lessening drafts and improving air sealing. This way you're not heating or cooling the outside air and therefore, will save yourself some of the other spendable "green."

So why fork over the $400-$600 to do this now?

1. Peace of mind to know there are no gas, water or Carbon Monoxide leaks

2. Improved comfort before the season change

3. Start saving money sooner on utility bills

4. Improved indoor air quality

5. Get on that "Go Green" train just in time to celebrate Earth Day 2009. I hear it's just what Mother Nature wanted for her birthday.

If you'd like to set up a "Complete Home Evaluation Including an Envelope and Home Energy Audit," I'm sure Frank would be happy to help you and your home. You can reach Frank with Danna Enterprises at 636.358.6714.

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