Show #379 Airing Sunday, 3/17/07
The high cost of heating our homes makes energy efficiency a “hot” topic. So how do we keep all the hot air we’ve paid for from going up the chimney or leaking through gaps and cracks? Our guest today, George Trappe of Residential Energy Services, has a lot of “cool” ideas that can help make our homes more energy efficient.
Question: It's no secret-energy costs are high. Are most homes energy efficient?
<span class="QA">Answer: </span>It often depends upon when your home was built, but on average, energy bills can be cut in half if the minor changes are made to promote energy efficiency.
Many people think that if they practice energy efficiency, they will be uncomfortable in their homes. However, without being efficient, you are already paying-either with high bills, cold temperatures, or both. In fact, you can be more comfortable with energy efficiency.
Question: What can we do to determine if our home has inefficiencies?
<span class="QA">Answer: </span>By having a Home Energy Audit, which is an energy evaluation of your home.
Question: Can you explain how a Home Energy Audit works?
<span class="QA">Answer: </span>Basically, we recreate the conditions of a winter storm (with 45 mph winds) in your house, regardless of the time of the year. We depressurize the inside of your house and see where the outside air leaks into it. We then identify seams and gaps.
In about 10 days, the homeowner receives a report with several suggestions of how they can make their home more energy efficient.
Question: What are some typical changes a homeowner might have to make to increase efficiency?
<span class="QA">Answer: </span>Changes occur in two major areas.
- The first is in air infiltration-making sure your house is airtight. This includes caulking holes, putting new weather stripping on all windows and doors-most of this can be done by the homeowner him/herself after a visit to Home Depot. Adjustments can be as simple as closing and LOCKING windows. Locking windows collapses the weather stripping, making it more effective.
- The second area is in insulation. The information provided by the home energy audit can be given to the insulator, so that they can follow the recommended specifications.
Question: Who provides home energy audits? How can you tell if they are reputable?
<span class="QA">Answer: </span>A Home Energy Rater Certification (HERC) is State of Ohio certified and an experienced technician who can diagnose energy consumption and air infiltration conditions regarding safety/comfort issues and resulting problems.
Question: Is there a right time to have an audit done?
<span class="QA">Answer: </span>Although homeowners often worry more about energy efficiency during the heating months, concerns should also be high with the cooling months. Testing can be done any time of the year. Air infiltration is a year-round concern and managing the levels controls your energy usage and also improves the indoor air quality of your home.
Another time to think about energy efficiency is if you are building a home. For example, we can meet with your builders and discuss energy strategy, or review the blueprint. This can lead to your home being 30% more efficient.
You can keep money from leaking out of your pocketbook by keeping all that heat and air conditioning from leaking out of your home. To learn more about energy audits and efficiency tips, give George Trappe a call. The number's next.
