Helpful tips to reduce energy consumption (part 1)

Are your electric bills outrageous?  Many Americans want to cut their energy costs in as many ways as possible.  We’ve put together a list of things you can do to help reduce your energy consumption and ease the strain on your pocket book.  Some are inexpensive.  Other options require investments in your home, but the pay off is nearly immediate.

Here is the first installment in a series of energy saving home improvements:

Air infiltration

One of the simplest ways to reduce utilities is by reducing outside air infiltration into your home.  In other words, take your mother’s advice and stop air conditioning the whole neighborhood!

Air infiltration is a bigger problem with older homes than newer ones.  New homes are usually built tighter.  There is not a lot of leakage from the inside out in a newer home.  Older homes, however, were built to different standards in a time when energy usage was less of a concern. 

What to do:  Visually inspect weather stripping, look for cracks and gaps where airtightness might be compromised.  Use an incense stick to check for drafts and air leaks around windows, doors, recessed lighting fixtures, and attic hatches.  Replace old weather stripping and seal the leaks.

Infrared thermal imaging
We know everyone works hard for their money and would like to keep that money from flowing out the doors and windows.  You may not realize how much of your hard earned income is doing just that.  We also know that you would like to reduce your energy bills in the winter months and then again, in the summer months.  A good place to start would be a professional, infrared home-energy efficiency inspection.  Our infrared thermal inspection will physically show you where you are wasting your hard earned energy dollars and can help us to offer you solutions to put an end to needless energy wasting.