What Is A Home Energy Audit And Do I Need To Get One Done?
Posted on: 14 May 2015
All homeowners are likely aware that a drafty window can cause their annual HVAC costs to skyrocket. But did you know that even if you inspect your windows and other areas on a regular basis, there could still be some areas of your home that are leaking air and driving up your heating and cooling bills? One way to solve this problem is to get a home energy audit from a local contractor. If you've never had an energy audit conducted on your home before, read on to find out what it is and how it can help you.
So What is a Home Energy Audit Anyway?
You may periodically check a window or two for a draft, but a home energy audit conducted by a professional is much more thorough. A full home audit goes room by room and helps pinpoint the exact locations that air is leaking in or out of the home. Professional contractors use special tools that allow them to measure the exact amount of air that is coming in or out of a certain spot in your home.
How is the Air Flow Measured?
The most common way that HVAC contractors measure airflow in a home is with what is called the blower door test. A device can be put around your door or window so that all openings are covered. The device can then remove all air between it and the door or window itself so that it becomes a vacuum. If air still comes through the door or window after this device has done its initial job, you will be able to pinpoint the exact spot that is causing the problem.
How Do I Hire Someone Who Can Do This For Me?
While this service is not as common as, say, replacing an air filter, every good HVAC specialist will at least know what you are talking about when you bring up a home energy audit. If the specialist you normally use for maintenance can't do the job themselves, they should at least be able to refer you to someone in your area who has the proper equipment. Your heating and cooling specialist may also be able to come up with additional ways that you can save money on your energy bills.
If you suspect you have a draft somewhere in your home, but are having trouble locating it, a home energy audit might be in order. A qualified heating and air conditioning repair specialist will be able to use special equipment in each room of your house until the exact location of the leak is found and repaired. Reach out to your local HVAC contractor today to decide if a home energy audit is right for you.
If you have other questions about AC repair, contact a company like A/C Repairs, Inc.
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