When conditioned air escapes from your home, your HVAC system has to work harder to keep you comfortable, costing you money. Higher energy bills are your first clue that your home is losing energy. If you pay attention, however, your home can tell you a whole lot more about how and where you're losing energy and how to fix it. Be on the lookout for these common signs of home energy loss.
HVAC system running all the time. Your HVAC system should cycle on and off. If it's running constantly, that means it's working too hard to maintain your desired temperatures. This issue is likely due to air escaping through gaps or poor insulation or a problem with your HVAC system.
Uneven temperatures across rooms. If some rooms are stuffy while others feel too cold, that means your HVAC system is struggling to maintain a consistent airflow, which wastes energy and reduces home comfort. This can result from leaky ducts or block vents.
Condensation issues. Unexplained moisture buildup on windows or anywhere in your home means that warm, moist air is coming into contact with cold surfaces, causing water droplets to form. This often occurs when homes are poorly sealed or insulated.
Mold buildup. Mold infestation is often caused by air leaks, poor ventilation and improper insulation – issues that can also add to your energy bills.
How to cut your energy losses
Save energy and reduce your energy bills with these cost-cutting tips:
- Weatherize doors and windows. Check for gaps around windows and doors and seal any you find with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Seal ducts. Inspect accessible ductwork and seal it to prevent leaks.
- Ensure airflow. Check to ensure that vents are open and unobstructed by furniture or rugs.
- Air seal your attic and basement. Check for gaps in the rim joists, where the wall meets the ceiling, as well as plumbing and wiring holes on outside walls. Fill small gaps with caulk or expandable foam insulation. Fill larger gaps by cutting and stuffing pieces of insulation.
- Insulate properly. Contact a qualified professional to ensure that your home insulated properly according to your climate zone.
Consider a home energy audit. An energy professional will inspect your home and provide you with a customized set cost-saving recommendations that will make your home energy efficient and comfortable and help keep your energy dollars in house.