How Can You Prepare for an Energy Audit?

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

You know what they say: if you don’t like the weather in Texas, stick around for a minute, and it will change! In this season, air quality and Insulation become very important.

So as the air cools down, here are a few things you can think about for your home—a home energy audit you can do yourself!

Check Your Insulation

Attic Insulation is the first product you can install in your home to yield a return on investment. This is why we put such importance on your attic: start from the top, and work your way down! In the colder months, you lose a lot of heat through your ceiling as heat rises and tries to escape your home through the attic.

Most North Texas homes only have the insulation level recommended by the department of Energy. The good news is, it’s easy to check yourself! Take a quick look in your attic, and note a few things: can you see the wood joints on the floor? Can you see a difference in levels…It should look like a snowstorm of at least 14 inches!!

Check Your HVAC Unit

Make sure you get your air conditioner/heating system tuned up! We have many professionals on the AC side that we work with as part of our team.

They will tell you to ensure you get your coil cleaned, that the outside and inside units work together correctly, and that the ductwork is sealed. Some ducts can be cleaned to help improve air quality. All ducts should be sealed appropriately (not just taped) at the unit and where they connect to your ceiling.

Check Windows and Doors

As you’re working your way down from the top of your house, check all your windows. Hold your hand up to them and see any spots where you can feel cool air coming through. Check your front and back doors to ensure they close all the way.

If you can see the light coming in from around those doors, weather-stripping should be added to address heat loss or gain. If your house howls during cold, windy North Texas days, you may have a window or door issue!

So, start from the top and work your way down. Check your Insulation, make sure your air/heating unit is working correctly, and then check all around the exterior walls of your house: windows, doors, outlets—anywhere where heat could be escaping.

And then let us come in to address these things to get your house performing optimally here in the next few months! Contact us to get a free estimate.